WHITE STONE—Joseph Cephas Taylor, the son of the late Handy and Rebecca Taylor, passed away peacefully at home with his family on April 30, 2026.
He was born in White Stone on June 17, 1929, and received his education in the public schools of Lancaster County, where he graduated valedictorian from A.T. Wright High School in 1948. Shortly after graduation, Joseph enlisted in the United States Army and served as a master mechanic from 1948–1952. After being honorably discharged, he married Betty Waddy, whom he affectionately called “Pudding” on December 24, 1952. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2022.
Joseph worked in the Northern Neck fishing industry after his discharge from the Army before relocating his family to Washington, D.C., where he obtained employment with the government as a federal protective officer. He retired at the rank of lieutenant after 30 years of service and in 1986 made a final relocation decision to move with Betty back to their hometown of White Stone. They then established membership at Sharon Baptist Church in Weems, where Joseph served on the deacon board and as chairman for 18 years.
Those left to mourn his passing include a son, Gary Joseph Taylor of Yuma, Arizona; daughter, Jacqueline Rebecca Armstead and son‑in‑law, Eric Andrew Armstead, both of White Stone; one grandson, Arthur Joseph Trader of Fairburn, Georgia; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at the Berry O. Waddy Funeral Home, 14476 Northumberland Highway, Burgess. A homegoing service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, at Sharon Baptist Church, 1413 Lumberlost Road, Weems.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, Inc., PO Box 642, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
