Linda Dearybury Taylor, 78, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at White Oak at North Grove while listening to one of her mother’s favorite hymns, “Because He Lives.”

Born July 31, 1947, in Spartanburg County, Linda was a lifelong resident of the area and a beloved member of her family and community.

After earning her Master of Arts in History from Clemson University, Linda began her career as a schoolteacher, serving at various high schools across South Carolina before settling in as an AP History teacher at Dorman High School. There, she brought history vividly to life, igniting a lasting love of the past in her students through her engaging style and profound passion for the subject.

Following the birth of her daughter, Linda embraced motherhood fully and soon devoted her professional energies to the administrative side of the family business, Dearybury Oil & Gas Company. For over three decades, she managed its operations with intelligence, dedication, and unwavering grace, contributing significantly to its success as a family-owned enterprise.

A lifelong learner and avid historian, Linda was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), where she delighted in genealogy—uncovering family stories and preserving the threads that connect generations across time. Her thirst for knowledge never waned; she was an enthusiastic reader and found great joy in spending Clemson football game days on the phone with her best friend, Anne—cheering for the Tigers, laughing over plays, yelling at bad calls, and treasuring the simple, enduring pleasure of their long-standing friendship.

Linda was a faithful member of St. James United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where her deep faith shone through her active participation, commitment to her church family, and cherished Sunday school class. Her class loved her dearly, just as she loved them.

Linda expressed her love for family and friends through her generous, giving nature. Countless people benefited from her kindness—she never hesitated to lend a helping hand, offer support, or provide quiet encouragement in times of need.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her daughter, Kylene; two granddaughters, Willow, age 10, and Alexandria “Allie,” age 2, to whom she was affectionately known as “Mena”; three siblings, Bill Dearybury and his spouse, Dan Dearybury, and Shirley Birch and her spouse; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who were blessed by her presence.

Linda was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, “Mena” to her granddaughters, teacher, avid reader, historian, businesswoman, loyal confidante, dedicated employee, and cherished friend. Known for her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and profound faith, she was above all a child of God. Her influence on everyone she met was deep and lasting—her legacy of love, knowledge, kindness, and quiet strength will live on in the lives she touched.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM, Thursday, February 5, 2026, Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 5, 2026, Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel. The burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Jack Caldwell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, the Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship fund, a local historical society, Clemson University athletics, or a charity of your choice in her honor.

Linda’s mark will not easily fade. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel.