Sarah Ellen (Hunter) Taylor, age 85, of Fayetteville, NC, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, after a brief period of declining health.

Sarah was born and raised in Iredell County, North Carolina. After attending UNCG, she married and moved to Fayetteville, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She devoted her life to nurturing family, friendships, young minds, and living things.  During a 30+ year teaching career, she shared her passion for biology with generations of students at the Fayetteville Academy.  She brought the same love of science and nature to the Town and Country Garden Club, where she was a dedicated member and past president.  As a lifetime member of the Junior League, she played an important role in the publication of the Carolina Collection Cookbook. She was a long-time member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Most importantly, she will always be remembered for her vibrant spirit, quick wit, ready laugh, positive outlook, strong will and her deep love for her family and friends. And for her legendary handwritten notes and Christmas rum cakes.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Jackson Hunter and Sarah Martin; her husband, John W. Taylor; and two sisters, Marie Mills and Eva Mae Smith.

Left to cherish her memories are her three sons, John W.  Taylor, Jr .(Jennifer) of Raleigh, NC and Jackson Taylor and Martin Taylor, both of Fayetteville, NC; sister, Peggy Mills of Raeford, NC; three grandchildren whom she adored, Solomon, Hudson, and Walker; and a special niece, Anne Marie Blackburn (Jeff) of Baton Rouge, LA.

A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC. Family will receive friends following the service at Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation to a charity of your choice.