Obituary for Barbara Slate Taylor
Taylor, Barbara Slate, age 86, of Emporia, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Barbara was born in Emporia, Virginia, to the late William Clinton Slate, Sr. and Elsie Powell Slate. She was also preceded in death by her brother, William Clinton Slate, Jr.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jesse Earl Taylor; her son, Charles (Chuck) P. Muncy, IV, of Christiansburg; her daughters and sons-in-law, Annette and Bobby Sherrill of Midlothian, and Elizabeth and Matthew Smyers of Richmond; her beloved grandchildren, Morgan (Nick) Robertson, Lauren (Landon) Facka, Ellie Smyers, Luke Smyers, and Caroline Smyers; her sisters, Betty Jean Slate and Patsy Avent (Arthur), her sister in law, Barbara Ann Slate; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Barbara graduated from Greensville County High School in 1957 and from Smithdeal Massey Business College in Richmond in 1958. She devoted more than 30 years to a distinguished career in human resources with the Commonwealth of Virginia, retiring as Human Resources Director at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children.
A woman of steadfast Christian faith, Barbara found great joy in serving her church and living out her love for God. She deeply cherished her family and treasured every moment spent with them. Always active and generous with her time, she was known for her willingness to lend a helping hand. Barbara also enjoyed the fellowship of her many social and community groups, including Bible study and women’s church groups, the Red Hatters, and Senior Circle.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 p.m. Both will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 210 South Main Street, Emporia, Virginia. Interment will follow at Emporia Cemetery. The family invites everyone to return to the church for a reception following the interment.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Evelyn Powell and Crater Community Hospice for their loving care of Barbara. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Emporia, Virginia, or to Crater Community Hospice, Petersburg, Virginia.
Online condolences can be made at www.echolsfuneralhome.com
To plant a tree in memory of Barbara Slate Taylor, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
22
Jan
2:00 PM
- 3:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church
210 South Main Street
Emporia, VA 23847
Service
Thursday
22
Jan
3:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church
210 South Main Street
Emporia, VA 23847
Cemetery Details
Location
Emporia Cemetery
Brunswick Avenue
Emporia, VA 23847
Memorial Contribution
First Presbyterian Church
210 South Main Street
Emporia, VA 23847
Emporia, VA 23847
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