Teri Lynn “Smith” Taylor, 60, of Lake Kiowa, Texas, passed away on February 10, 2023. Her husband and children were by her side thanking God for her life as she began to worship Him face-to-face.
Teri made her debut into the world on July 19, 1962, to James (Bud) Smith and Phyllis Van Dyke in Midland, Texas. Soon, she took on her first starring role of being in charge when her brother, Jeff, was born. She spent the next twenty years rolling her eyes at everything he said and the last 40 laughing until she cried whenever they were together. On any given day, Teri could be found surrounded by her younger brother, cousins, and neighborhood kids. She made sure they all had fun-filled days playing games, putting on magic shows, and dreaming up adventures, while keeping them all in line.
After the family moved to Plano, Teri gained a stepmom, Joann Smith, and two siblings, David and Lisa, and a stepfather, Charlie Van Dyke, and several more siblings. She embraced and loved them all well.
After graduating from Plano Senior High, Teri went to Baylor University, where she met many lifelong friends. She pledged Delta Gamma, whose motto was, “Do Good.” She did exactly that and did it with all her heart. She loved her days at Baylor, from floats to service projects, from themed parties to Pigskin, all while cheering on the Bears. She graduated with a degree in business. Sic ‘Em!
After Baylor, Teri had her first child, Sean. Even though it wasn’t an easy road, Teri always put Sean’s needs above her own and made sure he had a fantastic childhood surrounded by family. She was a supremely good mother.
One Sunday at First Baptist Plano, Michael Taylor walked in and saw a cute little boy and a beautiful redhead, and he knew he wanted to get to know her. That was when Teri met the love of her life. The two were married in the old chapel at First Baptist Plano on June 19, 1993, and shared almost 30 wonderful years of marriage.
Teri gave birth to her first little girl, Courtnie, and soon after another delightful daughter, Paige, arrived, completing Teri’s family. Teri threw herself whole-heartedly into mothering her kids, teaching them about Jesus, taking them to dance, baseball, twirl, debate, band, tennis, and a host of other activities. She encouraged them to chase after their passions while making sure they were grounded in reality and knew how to make a practical plan to achieve their goals.
Teri soon discovered her own career passion when she began working in the school systems in Salado and Walnut Bend, the latter at which she founded the local chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Much to her surprise as someone who didn’t love math, she was a gifted math teacher. Her students received far more than math instruction in her classroom; she taught them how to believe in themselves. Her students loved her fiercely. She also delighted in her coworkers and built many lasting friendships with other staff.
In 2013, Teri took on a new title, Mimi, when she began absolutely crushing the grandma game. Teri instilled in her grandkids a deep love for the beach, the lake, a good family party, a hot cocoa bar, and “girls days.” Her zest for life enthralled her grandkids, and they knew they were deeply loved by her. The feeling was mutual.
Teri’s life was emblematic of John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” She loved well and was well-loved by all.
Teri was preceded in death by her step-mother, Joann Smith. Teri is survived by her husband, Michael Taylor, her children, Sean (Mettie) Taylor, Courtnie Taylor, Paige Taylor, her parents, Bud Smith and Phyllis and Charlie Van Dyke, her grandchildren, Elliot, Finn, Graham, and Rowan Taylor, her siblings Jeff and Elizabeth Smith, Lisa and David Alderson, David and Julia Sandoz, Karen and Steve, and numerous loving in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Temple Baptist Church in Gainesville, TX, on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a scholarship fund for Walnut Bend ISD, 47 County Rd. 198, Gainesville, TX 76240. Please note in the memo line: Teri Taylor Scholarship Fund.
Donations can also be made online at https://walnut-bend-isd.square.site/
Sorry for y’all’s loss I am very sad to I will be there to see y’all Wednesday and Thursday.
Teri had such a zest for life and a way of making everyone feel welcome. Can’t imagine how much she will be missed. I can just picture the glow on her face as she walks and talks with Jesus. Love to all, Polly Bragg
I’m so sorry that you lost Teri. I remember her when she was a little girl.
So sorry for your loss. Jeanette Moser has spoke often of her and said what a wonderful person she was.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
We are just in shock!
Teri Lynn was so young, it’s just heartbreaking for her family and those who loved her.
May her memory be eternal ❤️
Bud and family
Our love and prayers to all of you. We have great memories of beautiful Terri.
Love,
Randy and Shelly Baker
Teri Lynn, from the day you were born and Bud called telling me you were named after me “Lynn”, you have been deeply in my heart. You were a beautiful, freckled little girl who grew into a vivacious, lovely woman, mother, grandmother. May you fly with angels, you blessed lady. Cousin Vicky Vaughan
Sending love and light —a woman who truly held a prism in her palm and reflected the beauty of friendship, passion and compassion in all directions of her life, on each path she walked. Prayerful that peace be yours as the days grow longer and you can rejoice her place in heaven. She will be dearly missed.
Proverbs 31:25
“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.”
King James Version (KJV)
Mike, may Gods peace and comfort be with you and family.
Mike..prayers for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
My beautiful friend,
I learned so much from you in the short time we were together. May you rest in heavenly peace.
So very sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my prayers.
May Teri Rest in Peace
I will always cherish all of our childhood games.
Love and miss you Putt Putt.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Teri was a pleasure to know. I am thankful for the love she poured into my daughter as her teacher. I know she is praising Jesus with the same joy she had here with us. Sending prayers of comfort to her family and friends.
She was an amazing teacher and individual.
I will truly miss our conversations. Her talent and sheer joy at watching students grow and learn was a sight to behold. She leaves a lasting legacy of learning and love.
Proverbs 31:26 “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
The Walnut Bend School Team offers our most sincere condolences and prayers to your family.
I am so saddened. I first met Ms Teri as my son’s Wee School teacher in Van Alstyne and we became friend. He loved her. I am sorry for the family’s great loss of such a wonderful and bright lady.
sorry for your loss, prayers to your family.
Jeff,
I am so sorry for the loss of your sister, I am keeping you and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers and pray for the peace that passes all understanding to get you and Mike and the entire family through this.
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Teri’s passing, and our hearts go out to Mike and the family in the loss that you feel. The comfort comes in knowing she had a personal relationship with Christ and is in her beautiful eternal home. Praying for comfort and peace as you navigate through this time. May her memory be a blessing to all.
I will miss my sweet friend. She was always such a joyous light to be with. Always cheerful and happy.
Covering all your family in prayer.
Sean, Mettie and family,
We are heartbroken for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace in the coming days. Much love,
I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing her but she worked with my former boss Ken Kemp and he spoke highly of her love for kids. It takes a special person to teach and love kiddos. Those kids who were lucky enough to have had her, will never forget her and she will live on through each of them. God’s hands.