Joann Taylor

Obituary For Joann Taylor

Joann Taylor, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Select Specialty Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, following a long illness. She was born on June 26, 1949, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late Chester Taylor and Lillie Mae Summer Taylor-Buckner.

Joann accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at the age of 10 and joined Riverview Baptist Church in Columbus. She later became a member of Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Her faith remained important to her throughout her life, and she continued to worship by tuning in to services when she could not attend in person.

A spirited sports enthusiast, Joann loved watching and playing sports from childhood onward. Her passion for the game led her to play softball, form leagues, travel throughout Georgia, and serve as a referee. She later worked as a Recreation Assistant for Columbus Parks and Recreation. Joann also built a long career in public service, retiring from Civil Service at Fort Benning after 29 years of continuous employment.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ida Barge; and her brother, James Haywood Buckner.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Thelma Buckner, Teresa Buckner-Hopkins (Jonathan), Denese Buckner-Green, and Adrie Faye Buckner-Johnson (Freeman); her brother, Hiawatha Buckner, Jr. (Joretta); and her devoted nieces, Sanda Buckner, Lanana Buckner- Brown (Will), Shaneice Buckner, Courtnei Hopkins, Keisha Paige, Kanika White, Kayla Buckner, Taylor Johnson, and Kennedy Buckner. She is also survived by her nephews, Jerold Buckner (Rachel), Brentson Buckner (Denise), Brandon Johnson (Sierra), and Joffrei Hopkins; her beloved uncle, Frazier Lee Caldwell (Essie) of Granite, California; her favorite cousin, Martha Nell Caldwell of Columbus, Georgia; and a host of great- nieces, great-nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.
Joann will be remembered for her faith, spirited nature, love of sports, and the many lives she touched.
The Homegoing Celebration for Ms. Taylor will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:00 am at Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, with interment at Green Acres Cemetery.

Service will be live-streamed (see clickable link below)

Progressive Funeral Home staff considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the Family of Joann Taylor.

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Live Stream Links

Services

Homegoing Celebration

Oct

22

Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church

3000 12th Ave
Columbus, GA 31904

11:00 AM

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