Jackie Laverne Taylor

Jackie Laverne Taylor passed away at home on the afternoon of June 19th, 2020. Her fight to live was undeniably strong. Her fight with dementia was unfair. Those of us surrounding her these last 2 years fought along beside her.

Jackie was born October 16th, 1926 in Amarillo Texas. Daughter of Jesse and Dolly Parker she grew up on a farm with 8 brothers and sisters. She learned early in life farming came with a lot of responsibility and hard work.  She is the last of 9 siblings.

Jackie married William A. Leasure in 1943 they were married for 32 years. They moved to Santa Monica California in 1944 where they raised 4 children. She was very involved with her Baptist church she never missed a Sunday service. She taught bible school and sang in the church choir.  The family moved to Simi Valley in 1962 and lived there for 10 years. Jackie loved to garden, her front yard was so stunning strangers would stop and knock on her front door to complement her green thumb. She loved having a clean home where everyone felt welcomed. 

She moved to Ventura in 1972 where she managed many restaurant and hotels. In 1978 she married Richard P. Taylor. Their favorite places in Ventura were The Pierpont Inn and the beach. Shortly thereafter, they both retired and moved to Canyon Lake, California where they lived for 30 years. This is a golf community where she learned to play the game golf she grew to love. She won many golf tournaments and was very involved as President of the women’s club and served on the golf club comity for 28 years. When she was not playing golf or entertaining friends, she and Richard would travel the world and take many cruise trips. They have been married for 42 years. The memories and photo albums they have are a real treat. The family loved listening to their stories. They enjoyed a wonderful full life with many friends and made many special memories.

They moved to Kelseyville, California in 2014 to be close to one of their daughters. Here they also lived on a golf course, she joined the women’s Buckingham golf club and developed another wonderful group of friends that will live forever in her heart. In October of 2016 they moved to Sonoma California.

Jackie is survived by her husband Richard P. Taylor WWII Vet., her 4 children, Bill Leasure Jr., Linda Bailey, Joan Leasure, Shay Kosta and 2 stepsons Richard P. Taylor Jr. and Paul Taylor, 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 6 great, great grandchildren. Jackie loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great, great grandmother.

The family would like to thank all our friends for their loving support and prayers. The service will be held on July 30th, 1:30 PM at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Cemetery 126 First Street West, Sonoma CA. 95476.

Elegant and classy may she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed for Meals on Wheels www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org 275 E. Spain St, Sonoma, CA 95476 / 707-525-0143.

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