Carolyn Ann Taylor

Carolyn Ann Taylor, age 82, of Wheelwright, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, March 6, 2026. Born on February 21, 1944, in Ashland, Kentucky, to the late Tamara Howard and Grover McKown, Carolyn brought warmth and light to everyone she met. Extroverted, compassionate, and spontaneous, she had a gift for making others feel welcome. She loved to laugh, dance, and spend time with those dearest to her, cherishing the simple joys of sharing laughter, caring for others, and creating with her hands.

A graduate of Ashland Senior High School, where she served as a cheerleader in the junior high division, Carolyn went on to study nursing in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her LPN credentials and continued her education to become a Registered Nurse, later attending the University of Kentucky in the late 1980s. She found great pleasure in cooking, reading, writing, gardening, sewing, quilting, crocheting, swimming, and roller-skating. A faithful member of Lighthouse Temple in Wheelwright, she served as an usher and drew strength from her faith and service.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Tamara Howard and Grover McKown; her husband, Gary Taylor of Wheelwright, Kentucky; her son, Brian Prater of Ashland, Kentucky; her brother, Thomas William McKown (Cathy) of California; and her sister, Pauleen Merle of Ashland, Kentucky.

She is survived by her loving son, Eric Prater and his wife Sandy of Ashland, Kentucky, along with extended family and friends who will cherish her memory. Carolyn affectionately spoke of Tina Terry and Robbie Nickles as her kids, and Mark Graham as her son. She said, “To my special kids, know that wherever you go in the world, I will always love you.”