<!-- FH = Asheville Mortuary Service -->Elaine C. Taylor, a resident of North Asheville since 1961, died suddenly on Sunday January 23 , 2011. She enjoyed robust health until January 20. She was 95 years old. For the the past four years she had lived independently at Gracelyn Garden Apartments adjacent to her son, Larry Homes Taylor and her daughter, Carolyn Taylor Burr. Jackie Metcalf, whose skills and loyalty have upheld the Taylor family for 25 years, led a team of devoted caregivers. A Stanley County native, Mrs.Taylor was the last surviving sibling of a German farm family.The seven gregarious Culp brothers doted on their youngest sister. A year after graduating from Richfield High School ,she married her high school principal, Melvin H. Taylor, whose career in public education took them to Charlotte, Bryson City,Marion, and Asheville.In Asheville, Mrs. Taylor was active in the Vetust Study Club and the Womens' Civic Club. She was proudest of her initiatives to launch "Keep Asheville Beautiful" (later Quality Forward) and to establish the sacristy at Central United Methodist Church.An artist with flowers and fabrics, Mrs. Taylor was a master tailor and dress designer. Decades before the term "fashionista", Mrs. Taylor created a stunning signature style.Mrs.Taylor is celebrated by her grandchildren, Elizabeth S. Burr and D.Taylor Burr. Her beloved grandson, Seth Taylor, died tragically in 2008. Her great-grandchildren are, Emma and Mazie Hyams of Austin,TX, Caswell, Zachary and Theodora Burr of St. Paul, MN and Savannah, Emme and Tristan Taylor of Summerville, SC.Those who wish to honor Mrs.Taylor may do so through the Altar Guild of the Central United Methodist Church. A grave-side service is planned for family and caregivers.