Grace Hemphill Taylor

Grace Hemphill Taylor, 84, of Frank Whisnant Rd. in Morganton went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Margate Health and Rehab in Jefferson, NC following a period of declining health. She was born January 1, 1926 in Burke County, and was a daughter of the late Thomas T. Hemphill and Annie Shell Hemphill. Grace was a member of El Bethel Baptist Church where she played the church piano for many years. She was also a member of El Bethel WMU. During her working career, she had been employed as a medical receptionist for Dr. Helm, Dr. Lane, and Dr. Kirksey.She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ben "Hamp" Taylor of the home; sons, Ralph H. Taylor and wife, Karen of Atlanta, GA, and Glenn H. Taylor and wife, Marie of Creston, NC; brother, Bennett Hemphill of Morganton; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.In addition to her parents, Grace was preceded in death by brothers, Ralph and Carl Hemphill; and sisters, Mary McGinnis and Effie Craig.The family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Hospice of Ashe County for their kind and compassionate care.Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2010 at El Bethel Baptist Church with the Reverends Ron Cooper and David Bean officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680-2518. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.