MARSHALL: Wilford Roberts Taylor, 96, of 367 Kelly Hunter Road died Saturday, May 21, 2011 at Missions Hospital. Born November 20, 1914 in Alexander County, she was a daughter of Clyde and Elsie Gwaltney Alexander and grew up in Stony Point, NC. On September 27, 1940, Wilford joined her life with the Rev. David B. Roberts in marriage, and in 1945 they moved to the mountains of North Carolina to work together as Associational Missionaries for the French Board Baptist Association in Madison County. Working by example, for many years they drove the rural mountain roads introducing and conducting Bible schools, Sunday schools, Youth training programs, and much more to forty-some different churches. They loved the people and the people loved them. After retirement in 1969, Wilford was able to express her talents in crafts by working as a florist for several years in Mars Hill. She also enjoyed painting and doing needle work. A long time member of Bull Creek Baptist Church where Rev. Roberts also served as Pastor, she was active in the women's Missionary Union and remained a valued member serving in several capacities throughout the years. Rev. Roberts preceded her in death in 1975. Also preceding her in death were sisters Alise Alexander, Elton Crowson, Libby Tyner and brothers, Max, Nolan and Phil Alexander. Surviving is a son and daughter-in-law, Benny and Jane Roberts of Weaverville, grandchildren; Chris and Sonja Roberts of Weaverville, Casey Roberts and Nicole Young of Asheville and great-grandchildren; Shaelyn and Elijah Roberts of Weaverville. Also surviving is a sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Bob Mount of Santa Barbara, CA., a brother and sister-in-law, Bayne and Idell Alexander of Concord, NC, a sister-in-law, Gloria Alexander of Los Angeles, CA., a brother-in-law, Dr. Grover Tyner of SC and several nieces and nephews. In 1988 Wilford was married to Rev. Thomas Taylor of Fallston, NC until his death in 1997. His children and spouses are; Bobby and Grace Taylor, Helen and Wayne Morris, Pat and J. T. Carpenter, Joyce and Larry Earl, David and Peggy Taylor, Sue and Bill Jones, Ed Taylor, and Dorothy and Johnny Crotts. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to the church members of Bull Creek Baptist Church and members of the community for the continual preparations of delicious foods and the warm visits and love shown to Wilford. We also wish to thank the entire staff of Madison Manor Health and Rehab Facility for excellent care during her stay there. Flowers are appreciated or contributions may be made to The Bull Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Avenell Merrill, 820 Kelly Hunter Rd., Marshall, NC 28753 or to Madison County Meals on Wheels c/o Madison County Government, Madison County Courthouse, Marshall, NC 28753. A celebration of Wilford's life will be held in the chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service, Mars Hill on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 2:30 PM. Rev. Wesley Pike, Rev. Worth Emory and Rev. Dean Huggins will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 ~ 2:30 PM prior to the service. Burial will be in the Bull Creek Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following the service with Rev. Stanley Peek officiating.