Marie Taylor affectionately known as "Ree" was born on May 8, 1943 in Florence, SC, daughter of Mother Lelia M. Smith and Willie Singleton. She was reared by Granison and Ida Cooper also cared and nurtured by her father, Deacon Frank Smith, Jr. On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Marie entered into eternal rest at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC.

Marie received her education in Florence District One Schools and was a graduate of Wilson High School class of 1962. She began her career in Culinary Arts at Marriott Corporation in Washington, DC. Upon returning back to her hometown, she began working at Horne's Restaurant for twelve years then at McClenaghan Place until retirement. Marie's  greatest joy in her career was mastering the skills of catering for weddings, parties and various functions. She was famous for her delicious cornbread dressing!

Marie was joined in Holy Matrimony to Robert W. Taylor in 1966. This union was blessed with one daughter, who she adored and loved with all her heart.

Marie was a member of Wayside Progressive Church of Jesus under the leadership of General Mother, Pastor Dolores M. Smith. She was baptized in Jesus name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost under the leadership of Pastor Earline Howard  in the early sixties. Marie was a faithful and dedicated servant in various capacities: Pastor's Aide Committee, Youth Choir Director, Usher Board Member, the supervisor of the Kitchen Committee and member of the Senior Choir, where she loved to lead songs.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Left to cherish precious memories are her loving daughter Valarie (Keith) Ewing of Florence, SC; five sisters Sarah E. Wilson, Alvenia Singleton, Anna S. Cusaac, Alfaye Singleton and Patricia Singleton; nine brother King (Pastor Dolores) Smith, Quincy (Hazel) Singleton, Bishop Frank (Margaret) Smith, Sam Singleton, Woodrow Smith, James (Rosa) Smith, Clifton (Janice) Smith, Allen (Iris) Smith and Gregory Smith; special cousins Alicesteen Belle, Mary L. Scott, Pastor Gloria Cooper, Odell Williams and Mildred Rollins; special friends Tracy Lynch and Joretha Wilson; god children Jocoria Waddell, Allison Johnson, Twanequa Peoples, Melanie McMillan, Trina McMillan and Jayonna Bacote; two special adopted grandchildren Aden and Jurneè Beckett; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marie Taylor affectionately known as "Ree" was born on May 8, 1943 in Florence, SC, daughter of Mother Lelia M. Smith and Willie Singleton. She was reared by Granison and Ida Cooper also cared and nurtured by her father, Deacon Frank Smith, Jr. On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Marie entered into eternal rest at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC.

Marie received her education in Florence District One Schools and was a graduate of Wilson High School class of 1962. She began her career in Culinary Arts at Marriott Corporation in Washington, DC. Upon returning back to her hometown, she began working at Horne's Restaurant for twelve years then at McClenaghan Place until retirement. Marie's  greatest joy in her career was mastering the skills of catering for weddings, parties and various functions. She was famous for her delicious cornbread dressing!

Marie was joined in Holy Matrimony to Robert W. Taylor in 1966. This union was blessed with one daughter, who she adored and loved with all her heart.

Marie was a member of Wayside Progressive Church of Jesus under the leadership of General Mother, Pastor Dolores M. Smith. She was baptized in Jesus name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost under the leadership of Pastor Earline Howard  in the early sixties. Marie was a faithful and dedicated servant in various capacities: Pastor's Aide Committee, Youth Choir Director, Usher Board Member, the supervisor of the Kitchen Committee and member of the Senior Choir, where she loved to lead songs.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Left to cherish precious memories are her loving daughter Valarie (Keith) Ewing of Florence, SC; five sisters Sarah E. Wilson, Alvenia Singleton, Anna S. Cusaac, Alfaye Singleton and Patricia Singleton; nine brother King (Pastor Dolores) Smith, Quincy (Hazel) Singleton, Bishop Frank (Margaret) Smith, Sam Singleton, Woodrow Smith, James (Rosa) Smith, Clifton (Janice) Smith, Allen (Iris) Smith and Gregory Smith; special cousins Alicesteen Belle, Mary L. Scott, Pastor Gloria Cooper, Odell Williams and Mildred Rollins; special friends Tracy Lynch and Joretha Wilson; god children Jocoria Waddell, Allison Johnson, Twanequa Peoples, Melanie McMillan, Trina McMillan and Jayonna Bacote; two special adopted grandchildren Aden and Jurneè Beckett; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.