Heather McRae Taylor-Shelton

February 20, 1958 - October 11, 2018

Heather McRae Taylor-Shelton, surrounded by her family, arrived peacefully at her final resting place and into the arms of her Father on Thursday, October 11th, 2018. She was born on February 20th, 1958 in Washington, DC and raised in Annandale, Virginia graduating from Annandale High School in 1976. She joins her mother, Jean Whyte McRae Taylor; father, Vernon G. “Buddy” Taylor, Jr.; grandparents Hugh and Anne McRae as well as Vernon G., Sr. and June Waterman Taylor. She leaves behind her soulmate, Dwight “Doc” Shelton; daughters Megan Mitchell (Michael) and Annie Jadot; brothers Glen Taylor (Cindy) and Bill Jones and sister Laurie Taylor; grandchildren Rowan Mitchell, Ellie Key, and Porter Key; nephews Nathan and Graham Taylor, Grayson Jones, and niece Charlotte Jones, as well as countless friends and loved ones. Heather was the definition of unending grace, simple elegance, and unconditional love. She loved music and connecting with others through music. The outdoors was her true home, and she forged many a trail through The Valley with girlfriends, as well as her beloved “loop” with Doc. She found joy in watching her grandchildren grow, never “shushing” their squeals, and often encouraging them as what she would call “the sounds of life.” A lover of travel, some of her favorite places to visit included ones that she had fond memories of from childhood; Chincoteague, the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, and Washington DC. She loved to discover new places, near and far, especially with her love by her side. In the spare moments she had, which were few and far between, she enjoyed knitting, cooking, and playing with her best furry friend, Poppy. Heather was a wife, a mother, a nana, a sister, a best friend...a shoulder, a blessing, the most beautiful woman, inside and out. She will be missed in ways indescribable by words, but we find the smallest bit of peace in the confidence that we will see her again one day, and we will reunite with such great joy. A Celebration of Life will be held at Fort Valley Garden Center and Cafe, 1175 Hisey Avenue in Woodstock, Virginia on the 21st of October at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations are made in love and remembrance of Heather to the following foundations: ⁃ Shenandoah Valley Community Residences, Inc. of Winchester, VA ⁃ Lymphoma & Leukemia Foundation Teach Peace and Love.