Elizabeth F. Taylor

Elizabeth (Beth) F. Taylor, of Willow Street, PA, formerly of Lincoln University, PA, passed away peacefully at home on November 7, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on December 31, 1949, Beth was lovingly raised by her late parents, Edward L. French and Jean French (Wingate). Later in life, she was blessed to develop a meaningful connection with her birth mother, the late Paula Gilmore, adding another special chapter to her family’s story.

Beth had a lifelong passion for education and nurturing others. After earning her Master's degree from Arizona State University, she devoted more than 35 years to teaching first grade at Octorara Elementary School in Atglen, PA. She retired in 2009, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the many young lives she touched. Her warmth, patience, and dedication helped shape generations of students, and teaching was truly one of her greatest gifts.

For over 46 years, Beth called Lincoln University home before recently moving to Willow Street. Above all else, Beth’s greatest joy was her family. She was a welcoming, loving, and thoughtful woman who found happiness in making others feel at home. She especially loved to cook, and at nearly every family gathering and holiday, she could be found in the kitchen preparing a delicious meal for those she loved. Her kitchen and dining table were often the heart of family celebrations, where good food, laughter, and time together created memories that will be cherished for generations. For Beth, cooking was more than preparing a meal; it was one of the many ways she expressed her love and brought her family together.

Beth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frederick H. Taylor, Jr., and a sister.

She leaves behind her five devoted children and their spouses: Frederick Taylor III and his wife Laura; Leah Somers and her husband Todd; Sarah Hillen and her husband Curtis; William Taylor and his wife Dawn; and Christine Vanella and her husband Nick.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to eight grandchildren: Freddy and Emily Taylor, Kaitlyn and Sean Somers, Charlotte and Ella Taylor, and Rocco and Enzo Vanella, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

She is also survived by her remaining siblings, including two brothers and two sisters, encompassing lifelong family as well as siblings she joyfully connected with later in life.

Beth will be remembered for her generous heart, her thoughtfulness, and the warmth she extended to everyone around her. Through the countless young students she inspired, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the family traditions she helped create, she made people feel welcome, loved, and cared for. Her greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely and the beautiful memories she leaves behind in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Services

Services will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Brandywine Baptist Church, Chadds Ford, PA.

Visitation: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow the service in the adjoining church cemetery.

Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA.