On April 22, 2024, a near century journey in the physical world came to a close for our beloved Barbara Jean Taylor, but her spirit, smile, and love live on in all who knew her.
Barbara was born July 12, 1928, at Russellville, to Pauline and Chick Hunter. She graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1946.
On Feb. 12, 1951, Barbara married the handsome and witty James Burr Taylor. By 1969, they had had five children. In early 1972, Barb coined the phrase, “We can’t have anything nice!”
In the late 1960s, Barbara earned her Real Estate license and began a long and successful career in real estate culminating in co-owning the brokerage agency, Landmark Realty. She helped hundreds of buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals, followed up with delicious casseroles and homemade raspberry jelly that she delivered on move-in day.
Barbara was the #1 groom for the many trotters she and Jim raised and raced. Standardbred racing was more than a hobby for Barb and Jim and their children. The horses were an extension of the family and were well-loved and cared for. The family has many fond memories of going to county fairs around the state to support their parents and horses and enjoy all the delights the fair had to offer.
In the 1990s, Barbara started a tradition called “The Prom,” a summertime party held at the Crawfordsville Country Club where friends and loved ones donned their sequined party dresses and dapper tuxedos to dance the night away. These soirées were legendary and (mostly) remembered by all of us.
Barbara is survived by daughter Jamie Sue Bayless (Thomas), Crawfordsville; daughter Jan Ellen Hester (Steve) Crawfordsville; son Jay Brian Taylor (Lisa) Crawfordsville; daughter Jo Beth Ramirez, Gulf Breeze, Florida; son Jack Shannon Taylor (Sue) Crawfordsville; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Chick Hunter; husband Jim; sister Nel Luster; and her grandsons, James David (JD) Taylor and Jeff and Allen Bayless.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 at Hunt and Son Funeral Home, Crawfordsville.
