Obituary for Tana Morris Taylor            (April 15, 1964 - August 27, 2018)

Tana Morris Taylor, 54, wife, mother, and dear friend to many, died peacefully at her home in Charlottesville on August 27, 2018 surrounded by her beloved family.  She was diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer in May of 2017 and fought the disease with amazing courage and grace, while continuing to live her fullest life along the way.  Tana is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Gary Taylor; her beloved children Kari, Hilary and Morgan, all of Charlottesville; her brothers Michael Morris and Kevin Morris, of Charlottesville and Winston Salem, NC respectfully.  She is also survived by an aunt, numerous cousins, nieces, a nephew, in-laws and so many friends and neighbors.  She was preceded in death by her parents Irma Jean and Bobbie Morris.  Tana was born to Irma Jean and Bobbie Randolph Morris in Charlottesville on April 15, 1964 and aside from several years in Roanoke as a child, lived her entire life in the Charlottesville community that she loved so much.  Through the years, Tana gave generously of her time and resources and held leadership positions with many organizations including the Children’s Community Theater, the Paramount Theater and various groups supporting the schools and interests of her children.  She loved her labs, Moxie and Tilly, much like children themselves. 

Tana loved traveling with her family, but always enjoyed coming home.  She cherished her home in Charlottesville and her cottage in Urbanna, VA.  She loved introducing others to the homes she loved so much.  Her friends, kids’ friends, business colleagues, or community gatherings were always welcomed with open arms and heart. 

Many of the family’s fondest memories were on the water, on a sailboat, traveling around the most beautiful places with friends, or often just our family of five. Throughout the 16 months since Tana’s first diagnosis, Gary captained the family on this journey, always guiding, researching and studying the best routes. Her three daughters were the crew; helping along the way, giving moral support, and on-deck whenever and wherever needed. It has bound the family together in more ways than imagined, but as any good boater knows, a captain and crew can only go so far without a remarkable and powerful ship. Tana has been that vessel. She weathered this storm with more strength, grace, and courage than any one person can put forth and carried us safely despite her illness. Often at the disbelief of doctors, she tackled chemotherapies, biopsies, surgeries, and trial drugs (often in combination) with a resolve that was inspirational, to say the least. She was that steadfast ship for their family before her cancer was a thought, and she will continue to be forever.

A celebration of her life will be held at The Paramount Theater in Charlottesville on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 4 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the UVA Cancer Center, PO Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908 or online at cancer.uvahealth.com