Wanda Norman Taylor

Taylor

East Bend-  Wanda Norman Taylor, 66, was born August 22, 1951, to the late Rev. Warren David Norman and Stella Rachels Norman, and passed away peacefully, Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at her home. This little lady born in Elkin, North Carolina, is an artist through and through, having marketed her own artwork most of her life. Her art includes painting, drawings, and prints, which have hung in more than thirteen states.

Through the years, Wanda has done a lot of different things – modeled, sold shoes, telephone solicited—yes, she is the one who would call during your dinner—waited tables and wrote ‘clean’ comedy for Jay Leno and “The Tonight Show” from her home. She was a television commercial spokesperson who worked with both Crystal Gayle and Frankie Avalon; she also co-hosted a children’s television show.

She was part of Positive Alternative Radio where she spread the Good News and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others around the world. She was a Southern Gospel staple on WSGH AM 1040 for seven years before joining a fledgling Joy FM in 1997. Wanda pursued her passion for radio ministry for 27 years and became an adored Christian broadcasting personality. 

While at Joy FM, she served as a featured on-air personality and as an encourager to all who knew her. Other positions have included music director, business partner representative, donor relations representative, and development manager. She has won “Favorite Southern Gospel DJ”—an NQC fan award for which she was nominated multiple times—and has also won the “Golden Mic Award.” She was a co-host with Rod Davis for the annual Arthritis Foundation Telethon on TV-45 and TV-48 for several years.

Wanda is a member of Enon Baptist Church where she has served faithfully through the years as a Sunday school teacher and choir member. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Larry Norman, and his wife, Jackie.  Surviving are her devoted husband of 48 ½ years, Richard “Steve” Taylor; her loving children, Tia Stephanie Taylor, Jacob Richard (Amy) Taylor, Sara Taylor Willard, George Stephen Taylor; grandchildren, Brady Williard, Noel Williard, Levi Taylor, Case Taylor, Jesse Willard, Mayle Willard, Carlin Willard, Sarah Coleman; 2  great-grandsons, Clark Coleman, James Coleman; two brothers, David (Janice) Norman, Dean (Debbie) Norman; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:30 PM Friday at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville.  Her Service of Celebration will be 2:00 PM Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Enon Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Stephens and Rev. Mark Elmore, officiating.  She will lie in-state 30 minutes prior to the service.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Enon Baptist Church, 6321 Old US 421 Hwy E, East Bend, NC 27018 or Joy FM, PO Box 25775, Winston-Salem, NC 27117.

Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.  Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Taylor Family.