Louida "Lou" Virginia (Harrod) Taylor

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

On July 15, 2025, Louida “Lou” Virginia Taylor peacefully entered eternal rest with her loved ones by her side. Though she has departed this world, the love she gave and the lives she touched will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her.

Lou was born the eldest of five children in Yorktown, Virginia, in the home of John Harrod, Jr. and Rosetta Perrin Harrod. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Jr. and Rose Harrod, and sister Carrie E. Radcliffe.

She was a graduate of the York County Training School in Yorktown, Virginia, Class of 1949. After high school, she attended a 2-year training program in Newport News, Virginia. She spent over 30 years working for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. During her tenure there, she worked many different jobs and earned her way into management. She retired as manager of the Motor House Cafeteria after 33 years of service. Her employees fondly remember her as a compassionate and thoughtful leader who always went the extra mile to ensure they felt supported, respected, and appreciated.

At an early age, she joined Grafton Baptist Church - Harris Grove in Yorktown, Virginia. She was an active and engaged member until her health declined. She served as an usher and was a part of the hospitality committee for over 50 years. She was the hospitality chairperson and loved that job. She took great pride in ensuring that any function held at Grafton Baptist was top-notch and that families were treated with love and respect. Her service to her church family was unwavering, and the congregation deeply cherished her.

Lou’s greatest joy was her family, and she loved spending time with them. She also enjoyed solving word search puzzles, watching football, bowling, and playing softball. Though she had no biological children of her own, she helped raise and guide many. Her home and heart were open to nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, many of whom looked to her as a second mother, a trusted advisor, and a source of strength. Her wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love left an immeasurable impact on generations.

Described as elegant and regal, she was always well-dressed and loved the latest fashion. You could often run into her at any retail store, especially Dress Barn, where she was employed after her retirement.

She had a huge heart and a kind smile, with a spirit that radiated grace. Always willing to lend a hand, Lou lived a life of quiet dignity and powerful compassion. Her presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.

She leaves to treasure her precious memory three siblings, John Harrod III and Shirley Jefferson, both of Grafton, Virginia, and Richard Harrod (Debra) of Akron, Michigan; a very special lifelong friend John Collins; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and a church family who loved her deeply.

The family offers a special thank you to Henry Gosha and John Collins, who sat faithfully by her side during her final days.

A Celebration of Life service for Ms. Taylor will be held at 11:00 am. Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Grafton Baptist Church - Harris Grove, Yorktown, Virginia, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. 

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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