Karen Lynn Fairburn Taylor, of Slidell, entered the Presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.  She was 77 years old.  Born on June 25, 1947, in Lafayette, LA, Kay was the firstborn child of her proud parents Glynn and Eloise Fairburn.

Her life began in the educational atmosphere of Southwestern (ULL), where her dad studied.  When Mr. Fairburn began his teaching career at Slidell High, Kay donned a small cap and gown to serve as a mascot for the SHS graduating class.  In time, her graduation came with honors, a joyful member of the SHS Class of 1965.

Kay continued her education at Southeastern Louisiana University, choosing the growing field of special education.  Outside her studies, she performed with the Gymnastics Club at basketball game halftime shows. Park picnic tables and a balance beam mounted on tree stumps provided some practice and fun.

Kay graduated with a BA in Elementary Education and Special Education, and continued onto the University of New Orleans for an M.Ed in Special Education. She taught in St. Tammany Parish and in Jefferson Parish schools.  Her thirteen years in the special education classroom and a move to Texas whetted her interest in pursuing the work of the educational diagnostician.  Completing her certification, she worked twenty years serving children of all ages who sought special education services in Klein and Conroe, TX school districts.  Kay compiled data, working with people from various cultures; and she coordinated services of therapists, other professionals, and agencies.

At home Kay liked to travel, go boating, watch TX football, and attend the theatre with her husband Richard, in addition to entertaining their friends and family. Kay's quick humor, hospitality, and big heart endeared her to people. She was spontaneous, natural, full of surprises, and always in high heels and lip gloss.

With her husband's passing, Kay retired from the TX school system and settled in Pass Christian, MS.  She sought to comfort others as a volunteer and member of the Auxiliary at Gulfport Memorial Hospital.  For two years she substitute taught in local schools and became an adjunct instructor at USM's Gulf Coast Campus, teaching special education courses for two semesters.

Hurricane Katrina brought Kay back to her Slidell hometown, close to her parents.  Ever busy, as she salvaged some of her MS property, she trained as an Outreach Worker for Volunteers of America, to help other people trying to rebuild their lives after the storm. She continued the work for three years.  Her heart ached for the youth who were in the midst of the difficult, frustrating process.

Kay spent the rest of her retirement years enjoying her home, her friends, and family.  She was deeply devoted to the care of her parents.  Kay was grateful to the many healthcare people and everyday people who blessed her life. She was known to say, 'God's light is shining in you. Time is short. Let your light shine'.

Kay is predeceased by her husband Richard D. Taylor, father Glynn Fairburn, and brother Keith Fairburn.  She is survived by her mother Eloise Fairburn and sister Kim (Wayne) Steed.  Kay's 2 nieces Meredith (Andrew) Tittsworth and Allison (Matt) Ryan, and 2 nephews Matthew (Sarah) Steed and David (Sharon) Steed were close to her heart.  Their children, Peyton, Brady, and Ellis Tittsworth, Nancy, Lydia, and Daisy Steed, and Eric Ryan were precious to her.  Her cuz Bruce Fairburn was a favorite bud, along with her Auntie Donna Karchner. Her cousins Gina Troyer, Cindy Mroueh, and Stephanie Dunlap brightened her life.

Kay loved and coached Richard Taylor's young adult crew: Michael, Larry (predeceased), and John Taylor, and Laura Kontomitras.  She was a grandma extra to David Taylor and Jason Kontomitras.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to Kay's graveside service at Honaker Funeral Home on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Baptist Church of Slidell, Hospice House P.O.Box 5806 Slidell, LA 70469, or leukemia and lymphoma charities