Juliet N. Taylor
The beautiful spirit of Juliet N. Taylor, of Hixson, has left this Earth way too soon, and we are all now less without her.
Anyone who ever met the always smiling, always bubbly Juliet loved her dearly. The tragic and unexpected end of her precious life came on July 5 in a Chattanooga hospital.
Juliet was born on July 11, 1970, in Philadelphia, Pa., only minutes after her fraternal twin, Charmaine. She always laughed about how “Maine hogged all the food inside Mommy, so I came out underweight and had to stay in the hospital a few days to fatten up, while Maine was immediately put into Weight Watchers.” That was Juliet. Always so funny.
Juliet had many interests, but her love of music was a constant source of joy for her — particularly Brazilian music. Anything Brazilian, really, including their national football team, held special meaning for her. She taught herself how to play classical guitar, and spent countless hours practicing and composing her own sweet and soothing songs, all on her cherished vintage Giannini made, of course, from Brazilian Rosewood. She became proficient with the instrument. Juliet was good at everything she put her mind to doing, and enjoyed rising to challenges.
Juliet loved cooking extra-fancy foods with unusual ingredients and exotic spices, and then seeing loved ones’ eyes light up at the sight of any delicious meal she’d prepared, always artfully plated, always on a beautifully-set table with linens. Her smile was broad and infectious, her teeth so white she could be probably be seen from space. She always wanted to make everyone around her happy, and she did. She enjoyed regular RV “glamping” trips to Chester Frost Park, always in spot #173 right on the lake as it offered the most spectacular views of much-anticipated gorgeous sunsets. Her partner, Cindy, and her dogs, Ellie, Carly and Darby, were always at her side on these and all her grand adventures.
Juliet’s diverse interests included being an award-winning poet, and a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed Captain with the credentials to helm large cruise ships. She was a regular at Tennessee Lady Vols basketball games, enjoyed the free feeling of zipping around in her car with the windows down, especially in the autumn. Her ability to dance the salsa was enviable and, on the other end of the spectrum, she performed a pretty mean Michael Jackson moonwalk — just to make us laugh. Always making us laugh.
Juliet was immeasurably kind, energetic, encouraging, sweetly thoughtful, highly intelligent, dependable, affectionate, an attentive listener, fiercely loyal and steadfastly discreet with any secret ever shared with her in her life. It was important to her that the sharer knew her or his secret stopped with her. Forever. She was born with unparalleled integrity. And as all her people knew she was, of course, the most quirkily hilarious woman you’d ever want to meet.
Juliet was always giving generously, and usually anonymously, to multiple charities as well. She was unbelievably dedicated to her position as quality assurance manager at Southeastrans Inc., which she loved, and to her staff, whom she loved even more.
Juliet dearly loved her large family, all of whom reside in her home town of Philadelphia. The stories she told of her youth were filled with affection and laughter, and even those tinged with sadness were special to her. She loved them all, and considered some of her nieces and nephews as “her babies.” She also enjoyed a vast collection of dear friends from across the U.S., most hailing from Philadelphia, California and Georgia.
Juliet Taylor was preceded in death by her mother, Lillie Taylor Waiters, step-father William Waiters, brother, Terence Taylor, and grandparents Bernice Taylor and Fred Williams.
She is survived by her best friend and partner in joy and life, Cynthia A. Deifenderfer of Hixson; Cheryl Taylor (sister); Charmaine P. Taylor (sister); Alton Taylor (brother), all of Philadelphia, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and countless special, broken-hearted friends.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 19, in Philadelphia. A viewing will be from 9-11 a.m., with services immediately following. Flowers may be sent to J.E. Williams Funeral Home, 6600 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19126, or if you choose, please make a donation in Juliet’s name to the charity of your choice.
A memorial celebration of Juliet’s life will be held in the Chattanooga area at a later date. Members of her extensive group of special family and friends in Tennessee, Georgia and beyond will be welcomed.
Local arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson and arrangements in Philadelphia are under the direction of J.E. Williams Funeral Home, 6600 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19126.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com