Jean Wagers Taylor
Jean Wagers Taylor, passed away peacefully at Briar Assisted Living, Middlefield, on May 19, 2025.
Born March 7, 1927, in Huntsburg Township, Jean was the youngest of three children born to Opal (nee Ashelman) and Ray Wagers. Before she graduated from Huntsburg High School, she married Theodore S. Taylor on Jan. 27, 1945.
Jean and her mother started an antique shop in 1947 that Jean and Ted continued for 56 years. In addition to the antique shop, they also co-managed the Great Geauga Antiques Market in Burton from 1974 through 2003 and sold antiques at various antique shows and flea markets under the name of Old Sleigh Antiques.
Jean enjoyed cooking, baking, entertaining and gardening. She was known for her bake sale contributions and funeral rolls, which she baked from scratch as long as she was able.
As an “at home” Mom, she was involved in many civic activities: Boy Scout den mother when son Mark was young, executive board member of the Geauga County Republican Central Committee, Geauga County Maple Festival Board, Geauga Center for Human Services, Geauga Board of Visitors, Geauga Cancer Society, Geauga Agricultural Women’s Auxiliary, trustee at the Geauga County Historical Society.
Jean was chairperson of Huntsburg’s celebration of the bicentennial of American independence. An enthusiastic supporter of Huntsburg and its history, Jean has donated several hundred items and papers to the Huntsburg Historical Society.
A Geauga Hospital volunteer from 1970 to 2006, she donated more than 7,000 hours of service. As a recognition for her civic activities, Jean was included in “Outstanding Civic Leaders of America” in 1968.
Jean was predeceased by her husband, Ted; her daughter, Melinda; her son, David Mark; her sister, Mary Vaccariello; her brother, Melvin Wagers; and her parents.
A lifelong member of the Huntsburg Congregational Church, Jean leaves two nieces and many close friends.
A special thank you to the staff at Briar Cliff Manor and Western Reserve Hospice who lovingly cared for her.
Celebration of Life will be held at the Huntsburg Community Center at 12406 Madison Road, Huntsburg, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 12-3 p.m., with Tribute at 1 p.m.
Contributions in Jean’s memory can be made to the Huntsburg Historical Society, P.O. Box 335, Huntsburg, OH 44046.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
