Sara Judith VanAken Taylor, a devoted mother, friend, sister, and decades long community leader passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2026. She is proceeded in death by her parents Gertrude and John VanAken, her brother John VanAken, and her husband Geary Taylor. Born to the late John S. and Gertrude Cowdery VanAken, Judy grew up in Bartlesville, OK, where she graduated from College High School in 1959. She attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned a Bachelor of Science in 1963, and a Masters of Education later on. A sharp minded student, she consistently earned a place on the Dean’s Honor Roll and served with pride as the social chairman for her Pi Beta Phi sorority.
A woman of true leadership, Judy was appointed by Governor Bill Clements to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, serving with distinction from 1979 to 1984, and presiding as board president during her final year. In 1980, Judy and Geary moved their family to Yorktown, Texas, rooting themselves deeply into the community. Judy dedicated her legacy as an active community member volunteering at the Yorktown Museum Committee, the Library Committee, Yam Committee, and the Yorktown Lutheran Church, providing communion to homebound church members. Judy and Geary owned and operated Taylor Farm & Ranch Supply for 18 years and spent another seven years owning the Taylor Shell Gas Station in Yorktown. Judy found immense joy in stewarding her beautiful property at the edge of town with her beloved husband, Loyd Geary Taylor.
Her memory will be carried on forever by her three children and grandchildren: Geary Todd Taylor and his wife, Michaela Brady Taylor; Kenneth Van Taylor and his wife, Paige Walcott Taylor; and Sara Jane Taylor. She is the proud grandmother of Murphy Grace Taylor, Brady Trent Taylor, and ReyAnn Taylor Pickens. She also leaves behind her two amazing brothers, Steven Van Aken of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Mark Van Aken of Las Vegas, Nevada, alongside a community of neighbors and friends who were blessed to share in her free spirit.
Memorial service at 11 am Thursday, October 8, 2026 at St. Paul Lutheran church.
Memorials donations may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church building fund or the charity organization of your choice.