Lillie Taylor

Lillie Taylor, 89, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Her life was one defined by strength, resilience, hard work, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved. 

Lillie was born on December 26, 1936, to Elmer and Sarah Carter. She is survived by her four children: Linda Carter Harris of Fullerton, Nebraska, Karen (Chuck) Deer of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Mark (Monica) Carter of Indianapolis, Indiana, and James (Tami Cox) Taylor of East Liberty, Ohio. Lillie was a proud and loving grandmother to Nicole (Eric) Hall, Dustin (Jenny Lash) Deer, Dwight (Kylie) Harris, Emily (Dustin Warner) Harris, Kaila (Adam) Casteel. Her legacy continues through her cherished great-grandchildren, Hayden and Ava Hall, Wesson Deer, and Mabel June Casteel. She also lovingly welcomed Amaya Barger and Abbie Smith into her heart as grandchildren.

Lillie is also survived by several beloved siblings, including Lou Clarkston of Northridge, Ohio; Carl (Mary) Carter of Springfield, Ohio; Willard (Conny) Carter of Boone, North Carolina; Francis (Olive) Carter of Mechanicsburg, Ohio; and sister-in-law Brenda Carter of Flat Rock, Michigan. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Sarah Carter; her brothers, Joseph Carter of Flat Rock, Michigan, Thomas Carter of South Charleston, Ohio, a sister, Anna Law of Springfield, Ohio, and brother in law Charles Law of Springfield, Ohio.

Lillie worked many jobs throughout her lifetime and was never afraid of hard work. She waitressed at a small diner in Mechanicsburg, Ohio. She later worked at Grimes Manufacturing in Urbana, Ohio, dedicating herself to providing for her family. After years of service, she retired from Green Hills Retirement Center. Her work ethic was admired by everyone who knew her, and she carried herself with humility, independence, and pride.

For more than fifty years, Lillie made her home in West Liberty, Ohio, where she built a life centered around family, and simple joys. Later in life, she moved to The Homestead at Logan Acres before spending her final months in the loving care of her family.

Lillie found happiness in life’s quiet moments. She loved gardening and took great pride in planting and tending a large garden every year. She enjoyed searching for mustard greens along the roadside and looked forward every year to the blooming of her beloved “Candles to Heaven” flowers, carefully counting each stalk as they appeared.

Above all else, Lillie loved her family. Her family will remember her as strong-willed, compassionate, hardworking, and deeply devoted to those she cared about. Her presence brought comfort and stability, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

Per Lillie’s wishes, she will be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone at The Homestead who made Lillie feel like family, as well as the compassionate staff of Interim Health Hospice — especially Sydney, Paula, and Megan for the kindness, care, and support they provided during her final months. Their compassion brought comfort not only to Lillie, but also to the entire family during a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask for donations to Interim health hospice.

Online Condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com