Jennifer Adele Taylor

Jennifer Taylor ObituaryVisit the Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services-Ballantyne Chapel - Charlotte website to view the full obituary.Jennifer Adele TaylorFebruary 18, 1978 – March 13, 2026Jennifer Adele Taylor-lovingly known as Jen, Schex, Tay, and Coach-passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by her devoted family. She was 48 years old. Jen was deeply loved by all who knew her, and she touched countless lives with her generous spirit, boundless compassion, and joyful heart. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued, and her love extended to all who crossed her path. She leaves behind a family and community who loved her deeply and will carry her memory always.Jen was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on February 18, 1978, to Tom and Ginger Schexnayder. She grew up in Charlotte, attending St. Ann Catholic School and Charlotte Catholic High School, where she was a member of the cheerleading squad all four years and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her love of dance began early-she started dancing at just four years old-and it remained a defining part of her life.Jen went on to attend Winthrop University, where she pursued her passion for dance and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education with K–12 teacher certification. Following graduation, she began a remarkable career as a dance teacher, sharing her love of movement, creativity, and discipline with generations of students.For 25 years, Jen served as the dance teacher at Charlotte Catholic High School and was the Department Head of Visual and Fine Arts. She also coached both the dance team and cheerleading squad for many years, generously sharing her enthusiasm and encouragement with her students. As choreographer for Charlotte Catholic's musicals, she brought stories to life on stage through movement and artistry. Before her passing, Jen completed choreography for The Wizard of Oz, one of her favorite shows, which will be performed at the end of March-a final and fitting testament to her talent and dedication.Later in her career, Jen focused fully on dance, continuing as dance team coach. In January, she had the joy of taking the Charlotte Catholic dance team to compete at the UDA Dance Competition at Disney World-"the happiest place on earth." Jen was incredibly proud of her dancers and their accomplishments, and it showed in everything she did. She was widely respected as one of the finest dance teachers, but more importantly, she was cherished for the way she loved and believed in her students.Above all else, Jen was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband, Paul Taylor, and their daughter, Avery. Paul was Jen's best friend, soulmate, and the love of her life. Throughout her courageous battle with cancer, he stood by her side every step of the way. Avery was Jen's true miracle, and she loved her with all her heart. Avery proudly carries on her mother's love for dance and is already taking dance classes herself.Jen was a planner in the very best sense of the word. Every family gathering and celebration began with her. She made it her mission to keep everyone together, even as families grew and life became busier. From cookie baking and birthday celebrations to Easter egg hunts, Christmas traditions, the Southern Christmas Show, and countless musicals, Jen created moments that brought joy and connection. Because of her, we didn't just spend time together - we lived life together, fully and joyfully.Jen is also survived by her beloved parents, Tom and Ginger Schexnayder; her sisters, April Frazer (Bob) and Jaclyn Causebrook (Chris); and her cherished nieces and nephew, RJ and Haley Frazer and Skyler and Cora Causebrook. She is further survived by her aunts and uncles Paul and Ginny Gaffney, Gavin Gaffney, Robert and Vielka Schexnayder, and Patty and JB Preslar, as well as many cousins who will miss her dearly. She is also survived by Paul's parents Ron Taylor and Susan Gray, Sandy and Randy Humble.She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and Imelda Gaffney and Robert and Margaret Schexnayder; her aunts Margaret Young and Cheryl Parker; her uncles Paul Schexnayder and David Schexnayder; and her cousin Michael Schexnayder.Jen bravely fought breast cancer for four and a half years, meeting each day with strength, grace, and unwavering determination. She fought until the very end and was truly our Wonder Woman. To know Jen was to love her, and her spirit will live on in every life she touched.The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Novant Medical for the compassionate care they provided to Jen during her final days.Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 20, at 1:45 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church (8015 Ballantyne Commons Parkway) with Father Cahill and Father Kuhn celebrants. In honor of Jen and her battle against breast cancer, please wear pink to the service. A reception will follow in the reception hall at St. Matthew Catholic Church.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Go Jen Go Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports families in the greater Charlotte area facing the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. Jen proudly participated in the foundation's annual Pink Cupcake Walk every fall following her breast cancer diagnosis.Read The Full Obituary