Mount Airy and Surry County lost a long-time community servant Monday when former Mayor Emily B. Taylor died after being hospitalized for a few weeks.

Taylor, a native of Pilot Mountain, was a person who lived to serve her community, and whether one agreed with her views or not, she is a great role model in the way she worked for the betterment of the place she called home for more than 55 years, Mount Airy.

As the first woman to fill the role of city commissioner in Mount Airy, she paved the way for others. She also served as the first woman to be mayor. In all, she served as an elected official for 14 years in the city.

Her service to the community was recognized in 2003 when she was surprised at a dedication ceremony naming the Lovills Creek bike trail officially as the Emily B. Taylor Greenway.

It was under her supervision the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission was created. She also was one of the creators of the city’s Appearance Commission.

In addition to serving the citizens of Mount Airy, the former mayor held posts in church leadership at Mount Airy First Presbyterian Church, where she was a long-time member.

And for many in and around Mount Airy, Taylor will be remembered as their high school English teacher. She served in that role for more than 35 years before retiring.

Taylor was one who wasn’t shy about sharing her opinions on issues, either.

As Elizabeth Martin, a friend and former student of Taylor’s, noted in remembering her, “She was a role model for lots of us young women.”

In everything she did, Taylor had the best interest of those around her in mind, which is the way we all should serve our communities and each other.