Sandra Lynn Taylor, 72, of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully Monday, February 10, 2025.
Sandy was born January 20, 1953, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Juanita and Jules DuBois. She and her future husband, Derek Taylor, met as students at the University of Kansas. Derek noticed her playing piano at church in Lawrence and introduced himself. Their first date included horseback riding, going to a carnival, and stargazing at the KU Observatory. They were married in Topeka on December 15, 1979. Sandy and Derek were blessed with a son, James, whom she homeschooled from kindergarten to his senior year of high school.
A woman of deep faith and generosity, Sandy devoted her life in service to others through music, teaching, and counseling. Despite initially resisting piano lessons as a child, she developed into a gifted pianist, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music education from Baylor University and a master’s in music therapy from the University of Kansas. After completing her studies, Sandy began her career as a music therapist with USD 501 in Topeka and then co-founded a Christian counseling clinic. She also served as the coordinator of Cornerstone Family Schools and played as the accompanist for musical productions at Cair Paravel Latin School for nearly 20 years. Sandy shared her talent as a pianist at weddings, funerals, and worship services at Topeka Bible Church and Topeka First United Methodist Church. Her playing brought inspiration and comfort to many.
Ultimately, Sandy’s faith in Jesus Christ was her foundation and central hope, which was evident to all those she knew. She had a passion for studying and teaching the Word of God inductively, leading numerous classes for all ages. For many years she led weekly Bible studies, walking alongside countless people to encourage them on their spiritual journeys.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Derek, Topeka, KS; son James (Andrea), Henrietta, NY; granddaughter, Rose; brothers, Gary Dubois (Peggy), Oklahoma City, OK, and Bobby Dubois (Geri), Arlington, TX; and many beloved extended family members and friends.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 am, family and friends are invited to a celebration of Sandy’s life at Topeka Bible Church, Mulvane Building, 1101 SW Mulvane, Topeka, KS 66604.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Sandy to the ministry of Soteria Thompson at https://global-donor.org/worker/ST40412.
