Virginia Ellen Taylor

Virginia Ellen Cook Taylor, 68, of Frederick passed away Friday, January 5, 2024, at home on her family’s farmette surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 21, 1955, in Frederick. She was the daughter of the late Arthur H and Nellie Cook and was the second of four children. Virginia had a lifelong love of working with animals. This love was instilled at an early age at her family’s farm at Church Hill on Ballenger Creek. She was very active in 4H, the first girl member of the Ballenger Boys 4H club. When she was old enough, she showed livestock at the Frederick Fair, initially beef steers but later sheep also. She had a keen eye for animals and had grand champion animals with both steers and sheep, with animals she had selected herself. Virginia represented Maryland at national 4H conventions on two occasions. Virginia graduated from Frederick High School in 1973 and took her first job, caring for laboratory animals at Microbiological Associates. In the spring of 1974, Virginia met her future husband Lloyd Taylor while they were helping her uncle Melvin Cook move. They were married in 1981. Son John Daniel was born in 1983. They moved to Keymar in 1984 and established a small farm raising market lambs. Second son Michael Bradley was born in 1989. When the boys were old enough to join 4H, animal projects expanded to include steers, swine and poultry. Virginia was always the driving force and main counselor behind the boys’ animal adventures. Virginia is survived by her husband Lloyd, son John and wife Shannon of Powell, Tennessee, son Michael at home and grandchildren Jacob Bradley and Abigail Louise. She was predeceased by her older brother Gerald Arthur Cook. She is survived by her brothers Gordon Chris Cook and wife Julie and Glen Terry Cook, Sr. and was predeceased by Glen’s wife Donna. Virginia is also survived by nieces Jennifer Sterling, Jessica Cook, Rachel Sanbower, and nephew Glen Terry Cook, Jr. Virginia formed bonds of friendship with many of her coworkers over the years, and considered many of her coworkers as close as family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Frederick County 4H. Checks should be made to The University of Maryland with Frederick County 4H and Virginia’s name as honoree, in the notes section. The address is Frederick County 4H, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick, Md 21702. Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Church of Christ, 25 E. 2nd. St. Frederick, MD. 21701. A funeral service will commence at 11:00 a.m. Interment private.