Melinda Jo Taylor
Obituary

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved grandmother, Melinda Jo Taylor, who passed away peacefully at home on 01/10/2026, surrounded by family. She was 80 years old.

Though her name was Melinda Jo Taylor, she was known and cherished simply as Jo. To her family, she was Grandma Jo, Nanny, and Nana—a woman who was fierce and sassy, generous and stubborn, and endlessly caring and loving. She didn’t want much in life, but she always wanted your time. Sitting, talking, laughing, and sharing stories with the people she loved meant everything to her.

Jo was deeply involved in OCJAFF, where she formed lifelong friendships. She was a breast cancer survivor, a proud and determined fighter, and someone who never backed down from anything—or anyone. She was famous for her quick wit, smart remarks, and for “not taking any crap,” and she loved to tell her legendary story about kicking Snoop Dogg off a football field.

She found joy in reading, playing card games, watching cooking shows, and spending precious time with her great-grandchildren. She was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Dodgers—and we like to believe the Dodgers won the 2025 World Series just for her.

In her final days, Jo cherished quiet moments: watching movies with family, FaceTiming loved ones, and listening to her daughter read the Bible to her. These moments brought her peace and comfort, just as she brought so much love and strength to those around her throughout her life.

Jo is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved fiercely and unconditionally.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared once arrangements are finalized. The family invites those who knew and loved Jo to share memories and photos below or on the Meadows website.

Her legacy of love, strength, humor, and honesty will live on in all of us who were blessed to know her.