Catherine (Patterson) Taylor

Our precious loving mother, Kathryn (Catherine) Patterson Vinson Taylor, peacefully went to be with her Lord on July 3, 2023, at Highlands Cashiers Hospital where she was lovingly cared for.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, A.C. & Edna James Patterson, her husbands Hoyt Vinson & Walter Taylor, and her beloved son, Tom Vinson.

Born June 11, 1925, at the home of her parents A.C. & Edna James Patterson, Kathryn was raised in Tessentee, NC and graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, NC. After graduating in 1945, Kathryn went to work in Oak Ridge, TN for Tennessee Eastman as part of the Manhattan Project. Upon leaving Oak Ridge, she returned to Tessentee and married Hoyt Vinson. In 1948, they moved to Highlands, NC and began their family. Upon Hoyt’s death in 1964, Kathryn continued to raise her three children. In 1973, she married Walter Taylor and welcomed his two daughters into her family.

During her life, Kathryn worked at various occupations including nurse’s aide, property management, and family caregiving while selflessly providing for her children. Upon her retirement, Kathryn enjoyed volunteering for the Highlands Emergency Council, supporting the Scottish Tartan’s Museum, attending JOY Group at Highlands United Methodist Church, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Kathryn was known for her green beans, chocolate pound cake, fried apple pies, and deep-dish apple pie. “Mamaw” dearly loved her family, especially her grandchildren and her Lord. Always active in her church, Kathryn was the oldest living member of Highlands First Baptist Church.

Kathryn is survived by her brother James (Hilda) Patterson, daughters Margaret Bryson, Sandy Vinson, Dianne Taylor, Melinda (Paul) Musumarra, and daughter-in-law Karen Vinson. She was a loving and proud grandmother to Josh (Carrie) Bryson, Elizabeth (Michael) Baker, Mark (Rachiel) Musumarra, Barbara (Ryan) Childress, and great grandchildren Maddie Coen, Emmie Wedge, Madeline Baker, and Harrison Baker. She is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dryman’s Chapel Church, First Baptist Church of Highlands, and Highlands United Methodist Church JOY Group.

The family would like to thank Dr. Patti Wheeler for years of compassionate and loving care, Ms. Delores Jones, and Ms. Willean Stiwinter for their caring friendship.

A funeral service will be held Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bryant-Grant Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Karen Radcliffe of St. John’s UMC, Fort Mill, SC, and Dr. Mark Ford of First Baptist Church, Highlands, NC officiating. Burial will follow at the Wright Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are grandsons Josh Bryson, Mark Musumarra, Michael Baker, & Ryan Childress; son-in-law Paul Musumarra; and special family friend, Buddy Miller.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Taylor family.