This past weekend my maternal grandmother passed after a journey with cancer. She was a kind soul who loved many things, among them:

Word searches

BINGO

H&G (aka HGTV)

Country Music

My grandfather

Pranks

Corny jokes

Telling stories of her past

Her friends

Getting her hair done

Taking care of her long manicured nails

Singing

Lottery tickets

Her dog, Peppy

And most of all, her family

Even until the very end, she never complained. She smiled, made jokes, and even flirted with the EMTs when they brought her home with hospice. She was proud of all of her grandchildren and told us each and every time she talked to us. She was brave, patient, and strong – one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. There were many ups in her life, but through the downs she always kept her head held high. She loved my niece, her great granddaughter, more than life itself. She was quick with a smile, quick with a joke, and quick with a hug. Whether you called her Mom, Grandma, Wanda, Elwanda, Granny, GG, or Wild Grandma, she treated you fairly and with respect, never judging or doubting. She was a wonderful and caring woman whose loss will be felt by many.

Gram, I’ll miss you so much. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving me and our family so fiercely. May you rest in peace.

Elwanda Taylor Obituary