Jan Garvey Taylor

Jan Garvey Taylor

June 10, 1949 – July 23, 2026

Jan Garvey Taylor, age 77, of Chattanooga, TN, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and unwavering dedication to the children and families of Southeast Tennessee.

Born June 10, 1949, in Chattanooga, TN, Jan was a proud graduate of South Pittsburg High School, Class of 1967. She earned her B.S. and master’s degree in psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her education became the foundation for a lifelong calling to advocate for vulnerable children and to strengthen the mental and emotional well-being of others.

Jan served as the Marion County Department of Education’s School Psychologist, creating a new alternative path for high school students coping with addiction or trauma, so that they could get counseling they needed to succeed. She also worked as a therapist for the Fortwood Center in Chattanooga, where she compassionately guided children through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and psychotherapist for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, continuing her life’s work of protecting, encouraging, and empowering vulnerable children. Jan believed that every child deserved to be protected, heard, and valued.

Jan spent the last decade of her career in Sewanee and Monteagle, TN, serving families and individuals through her private practice. Her intelligence was matched only by her empathy, and those who worked alongside her describe her as caring, honest and wise. Outside of her professional life, Jan was most proud to be “Jannie - a loving mother, grandmother, and aunt. She loved music, dance, fine cuisine, and living life authentically.

Jan is survived by her husband of 36 years, Jan Bryant Forrester, her daughter, Lissa Hewgley Goeltz (Mac), her grandchildren, Mary Taylor Goeltz and McClinton Elias (“Eli) Goeltz, and her siblings Pam Baker (Edward), Steve Taylor (Debbie), and Greg Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Viston Taylor Jr. and Hazel Garvey Taylor of South Pittsburg, as well as her brother, Viston Taylor III.

At her request, Jan generously donated her body to Vanderbilt Medical School. A visitation will be held in the parish hall of Christ Episcopal Church, 302 3rd Street, South Pittsburg, TN on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 2 - 4 pm (CDT) and her celebration of life from 4 – 5 p.m. (CDT).

Jan had requested that anyone attending wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and beautiful, just as they are.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County, honoring her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children.

Jan Garvey Taylor leaves behind a legacy of compassion, advocacy, and hope. Through every individual she encouraged, and every life she touched, her influence will continue for generations. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Ave, South Pittsburg, TN 37380. 423-837-7176.