Julia Ann Upshaw Taylor

Julia Ann Upshaw Taylor

July 15, 2024

Julia Ann Upshaw Taylor, 92, of Amarillo, Texas died peacefully in her home on Monday, July 15, 2024 surrounded by her family.

The family will receive friends during visitation at Boxwell Brothers from 6:00-7:00 PM, Thursday, August 1. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors. Memorial services will be Friday, August 2, at 2:00 PM in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel located at 2800 Paramount Blvd. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery.

Mrs. Taylor was born in Atlanta, Georgia on February 22, 1932 to Herschel Tucker Upshaw, Sr. and Gladys Christine Guy Upshaw, the oldest of their two children. After graduating from North Fulton High School in 1949, she attended Wesleyan College and Wesleyan Music Conservatory in Macon, Georgia where she studied piano with Ralph Lawton, an internationally known concert pianist. While at the conservatory under his tutelage, Mrs. Taylor composed a piano solo, “Midnight Nocturne.” The dedication and perseverance she learned during this time developed the character traits she needed for the challenging and demanding life she would lead.

After two years of study, she met her future husband, Emory University pre-med student, Coleman Taylor. On February 29, 1952, they married at Rock Spring Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and a new chapter of her life began.

In the first few years of marriage, she moved with her husband and growing family to several states as he pursued his medical degree. They lived in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. But when her husband’s service at the Amarillo Air Force Base brought them to Amarillo, they knew they had found home. After one year in Oklahoma City, they returned to Amarillo and stayed.

She lived in her current house for sixty-one years and raised five children. Her time was seldom her own, but for many years she dedicated herself to being the best mother she could be. Most importantly she shared her Christian faith with her children, impacting not only their lives, but the lives of future generations. She was her children’s preeminent advocate, lending her support in both their studies and their musical endeavors.

In 1973 she began working outside the home and taking courses at Amarillo College where she completed her associate degree. While juggling family, college classes, and work, she rose to the position of executive secretary at Southwestern Public Service Company. After more than twenty years at SPS, she retired and continued to enjoy her role as a grandmother and then as a great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, a niece, and a great nephew.

She is survived by her five children: Debbie Ferguson (Brad) of Amarillo, Stephanie Rankin (Dale) of Tuscola, TX, Julie Morrison (Douglas) of Memphis, TN, Kathy Harper (Dan) of Amarillo, and Danny Taylor of Amarillo. In addition, she is survived by four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a niece, several great and great-great nieces and nephews, and her beloved brother, Herschel Tucker Upshaw, Jr., and his wife Martha of Rhinebeck, NY.

We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to the nurses, the caregivers, and the BSA Hospice team who took care of Mrs. Taylor in her last years. Special thanks go to Nevada of Visiting Angels, Esther Carrillo, Mrs. Taylor’s housekeeper and “angel,” and Claudine McElroy, LVN, whose diligence, kindness, and expertise eased Mrs. Taylor’s last years and gave immeasurable support to the entire family. 

The family suggests memorials be to Faith City Mission, the Salvation Army, and Life Challenge of Amarillo.