Carol Lee Taylor was loved by many, likely because she cared for so many—as a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a community member, and a school teacher. She was one of Bay County’s first losses due to COVID-19, on April 11, 2020. To honor those that cared for her and to give back to the community she was a part of her whole life, her family created a fund at the Bay Area Community Foundation to respond to emerging community needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carol will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families as she has done all her life.
Carol grew up in Saginaw and received her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1972. She married her husband William Dexter Taylor in 1973 and then built her life and raised her family in Bay City. Following a hunting accident that left Bill paralyzed in 1993, Carol was his dedicated primary caregiver for more than 20 years until his passing in 2014.
She was a dedicated teacher for more than 25 years at Bay City All Saints before retiring in 2011. Although she was an English teacher, she integrated history into many of her lessons. She believed in learning from the past, reading from many sources and perspectives, and respecting differing opinions. Carol found tremendous joy in hearing about her students’ lives and achievements after graduation and remained in close contact with many of her former students.
They appreciated her in return—evidenced by the outpouring of kind messages and fond memories past students have been sharing on Facebook. Many mentioned how she was tough, but they appreciated her for it. She was able to help push them to their full potential, a potential she saw but that they might not have seen in themselves.
Carol’s daughter, Lisa, says that “Anybody who knew her, knew that she was outspoken and stood up for what she believed in.” Lisa believes that during this time, her mother would want people to participate in problem solving and helping others.
Her family wished to express that in honor of Carol’s memory, they hope people will stay home and take precautions to keep others in the community safe.
I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.
