Mary Lee Buchanan Taylor

July 10, 1945 - February 7, 2024

Mary Lee Buchanan Taylor "Ninny" "Rabbit" (78) of Stuarts Draft passed away at her home on February 7th, 2024. 

Mary was born on July 10th, 1945 to her parents John and Clara Buchanan. She married her husband of 59 years on December 5th, 1964. She pursued nursing at Kings Daughters hospital, becoming the first member of her family to receive a higher education. Mary also worked for Waynesboro Community Hospital and Augusta Medical Center. After retirement, she continued her lifelong commitment to helping others, assisting countless family, neighbors, and friends with medical advice and needs. She also enjoyed spending her time with family and friends at the “Schoolhouse” camp on Tye River White Rock, VA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Clara Buchanan, her brother, Sonny Buchanan, and her beloved dogs Porkchop and Abby. 

She is survived by her husband, Ronald “Butch” Taylor of Stuarts Draft, her son Jesse Taylor and Rebecca of Stuarts Draft, her daughter Nancy Varner and Greg of Mt. Solon, her brother John Buchanan of Stuarts Draft, her sister Ruth Buchanan Martin and Timmy of Staunton, Charlene Mays, who she considered a sister, and grandchildren Taylor Varner (Conner), Hannah Varner, Cody Swisher (Raven), Taylor Wilcher (Tyler), close friend Chuck Anderson, beloved pets Jake, Polly, Pete, and Maggie, and many other close family members and friends.

The family would like to thank the members of the Augusta County Fire and Rescue, Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, and Stuarts Draft Volunteer Fire Company for treating her with kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Nursing Excellence Fund at Augusta Health. For checks make them payable to the Augusta Health foundation and include the Nursing Excellence Fund in the subject line. For online donations please use www.Augustahealth.com/foundation/give, and leave a comment for the Nursing Excellence Fund. 

The family will receive friends and family Saturday February 10th, from 5-7 p.m. at McDow Funeral home 1701 W Main St Waynesboro, VA 22980. A private burial will take place at a later date.