Wilma Brown Taylor

Candler- Wilma Taylor, 88, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at the Landings at Mills River.

A native of Buncombe County, Wilma was a daughter of the late Alonzo and Aileen Williams Brown. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Billy Gene Taylor; a daughter, Brenda Toney; a sister, Ina Ray as well as two brothers, Sam and John Brown.

Wilma was a devoted Pastor’s wife, serving alongside her husband, Billy, at 14 churches in the Pentecostal Holiness Denomination over 53 years of ministry.

She and Billy shared their lives here on earth for 63 years and now are spending an eternity together in heaven with the God they’ve loved and served all their lives.

She was a loving Mother and Grandmother (Granny), always putting their needs above her own. She made sure special days and holidays were celebrated and everything was provided to give them the best possible experience and celebration.

She was also an amazing sister. She and Billy always made sure her brothers and sisters were picked up for church, whether Skyland, Clear Branch or Greenville, TN. They provided a place for them to stay and spend time together many summers after moving to Tennessee.

Wilma was a very creative floral designer; she could take the simplest of things and turn them into beautiful arrangements and designs. She was able to pass that creative gift down to her daughter (Debi) and granddaughter (Jennifer).

She was most definitely an excellent cook that provided wonderful meals for her family as well as friends, visiting guests and evangelists that came to their home and churches over the years of ministry they spent together.

Wilma was loved by everyone who knew her. She was loving and accepting of the many people God brought into her life; a confidant and prayer warrior who believed in the power of prayer and God’s ability to answer.

Our loss is certainly heaven’s gain. She will definitely be missed here on earth, but we’re looking forward to that “Glad Reunion Day” when we will spend eternity together in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Wilma is survived by a daughter, Debi Stanaland (Tommy) of Asheville; a son, Mark Taylor (Tammy Case) of Asheville; daughter-in-law, Michelle Taylor; a son-in-law, Randall Toney; two sisters, Sandra Penley of Candler and Wanda Tate of Lake Keowee, SC; a brother, Richard Brown of Greenville, TN; seven grandchildren, Scott, Will, Jennifer, Josh, Cody, Devin, and Zach; four great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Eli, Ace and Ellie Mae as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Biltmore Church of God on Sweeten Creek Road with Rev. Dr. Dale Whitson and Rev. Lonnie Ray officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Gideons at www.gideons.org.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.