Obituary: Nancy Raylene Taylor Jacobs
Nancy Raylene Taylor Jacobs, age 83, passed peacefully on February 25, 2026. Born on January 6, 1943, in Jackson, Tennessee, Raylene lived her entire life in Bolivar, Tennessee — the town she loved and the community she faithfully served.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Billy Jacobs, whom she faithfully supported during his ministry at Piney Grove Baptist Church. As Billy pastored, Raylene ministered in her own beautiful way — serving as the church pianist for over 50 years. Through every season of life, her steady hands at the piano and her unwavering faith helped lead generations in worship.
Raylene devoted 20 years to working at Armira, known locally as “the Tannery,” before continuing her calling of service at Hornsby Elementary School. There, she was lovingly known as “Memaw” by teachers and students alike — a name that perfectly captured her nurturing spirit. She retired having left fingerprints of kindness on countless young hearts.
Her greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her daughter, Amy Rhymer, and son-in-law, Erich Rhymer, and by her precious granddaughter, Ava Rhymer, who was truly the light of her life. Nothing made her smile brighter than Ava.
Raylene found happiness in the simple, beautiful things — mowing her yard with pride, growing & making flower arrangements to take to her friends, going on vacations with her family, and making her famous chocolate peanut candy to share with anyone she loved. If you were special to her, chances are you received a batch wrapped with care and delivered with a smile.
She was kind. She was loving. And she was hilarious. Raylene had a quick wit and a joyful spirit that made people feel at ease. She could make you laugh when you least expected it and love you in a way that made you feel completely safe.
Bolivar was better because she was here. Her family is better because she was ours. And Heaven is sweeter because she is home.
Funeral Services were Saturday, February 28, at 2:00 pm at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Bolivar with burial at Ebenezer Baptist Cemetery in Toone.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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