Shirley Taylor McAbee

Shirley Taylor McAbee, 71, of Asheville, went to be with Jesus on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

A native of Asheville, she was the daughter of the late Howard Leonard Taylor and the late Shirley Jones Taylor McElreath. She was also the daughter-in-law of the late Vivian and RM (Roachel Marion) McAbee Jr of Asheville.

Shirley was a longtime member of Reynolds Baptist Church in Asheville, where she loved working with the Awana program and Vacation Bible School. She was a woman of deep faith who was committed to her church, family, and friends. Her infectious smile and laugh would light up a room. She had such an inquisitive and highly observant nature.

Shirley loved to cook and bake, and she passed that love along to her son, Michael. She also loved Christmas, and her larger-than-life Christmas tree brought her great joy each year. Her collection of ornaments consisted mostly of gifts from family and friends who had traveled all around the world. She knew each ornament, and each one had a special location on the tree.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 54 years, Kenneth R. McAbee of Asheville; their son, Michael McAbee, and his wife, Shannon McAbee, of Asheville; and three grandchildren: Taylor McAbee of Philadelphia, PA; Caden McAbee of Asheville; and Milla McAbee of Asheville.

She is also survived by her siblings: Carolyn Taylor Chambers (Dennis) of Candler; Donna Taylor Mayhue (Allen) of Fletcher; Ronnie McElreath (Cindy) of Canton; Wade McElreath (Amy) of Fletcher, and brother-in-law: Bruce McAbee (Rita) of Newton-Conover.

Also surviving are her nieces and nephews and their families: Wendy Chambers, Melissa Mayhue-Schlagmuller, Stacey Mayhue-Summerlin, Brian McElreath, Scott McElreath, Kaitlyn McElreath Sparks, Tanner McElreath, and Marsha Smith Bradley.

She is also survived by her longtime friends, Carolyn Butler—known as “Carolyn #3”—of Arden and Betty Fraley of Asheville.

A special thank-you to everyone who was part of her village. Your love, support, guidance, and assistance made her last months—and ours—even more special. As her brother Wade stated: “Jesus came in the middle of the night while it was quiet and just the two of them. He asked her if she was ready to be healed and whole again. He then reached out, took her hand and led her home. She is at peace now.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reynolds Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Reynolds Baptist Church at a later date.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian Team is assisting the family.