Sarah Jean (Oates) Taylor

Sarah Jean Oates Taylor, 95, of Mankato, Minnesota passed away on February 18, 2026.

Jean was born July 23, 1930, in Timonsville, SC , daughter of Mae Elizabeth Rogers and Roland Mahoney Oates. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Ted Taylor, who passed away in 2016.

A true Southern belle, her selfless acts of charity, warmth and kindness to others have been felt by many and left an indelible mark on all of us who have had the privilege of calling her Mom, Grandma Jean, Mema and friend.

Jean was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many capacities, including Relief Society President and other callings. Her greatest calling being that of wife and mother.

She was a Girl Scout leader for many years leading her troop from Brownies to Seniors. Many wonderful memories are held by "her girls".

Side by side, Jean and Ted, were hard workers making a wonderful home in Darlington, SC for their family and children. In 1972 they left Darlington to move out west to start a new career of motel management, living in Kingman, AZ, Battle Mountain, NV, Blythe, CA and settling for many years in St George, UT.

Jean was faithful in her love for her husband, Ted, whom she cared for so lovingly until his death in 2016. She will be deeply missed by her surviving family that include one daughter, Lorraine (Michael) Edwards of Blue Mountain, MS; two sons, Wesley (Lisa) Taylor of Mankato, MN and

Ted W. (Lori) Taylor of St George, UT; eight grandchildren, Kelly (Dan) Reid of Wilmington, NC, Kami (Jeremy) Foster of Tell City, IN, Kyle (Nikki) Edwards of Blue Mountain, MS, James Taylor of Mankato, MN, Sarah (Beau) Robertson of Caldwell, ID, Nikelle (Adly) Flores of St George, UT, Megan Marshall and Skyler Marshall of St George, UT; surviving, also, are 15 great grandchildren; 3 precious nieces, Bobbie Gentry of Greenville, SC, Georgette Davis of Rock Hill, SC and DeeDee St Amand of Toccoa, GA and many great nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death other than her husband, Ted, were her parents, two sisters, Gladys (Richard) Clarke and Johnnie (Robert) Culbertson and a grandson, Kristian Edwards.

We will all miss our beautiful loving mother, and may she rest in the arms of Jesus until we meet again as an eternal family.

A family graveside service will be held in the fall of 2026 in Darlington, South Carolina.