Patty Taliaferro

Patty Baker Nixon Taliaferro, 85, of Abilene, TX passed away peacefully on February 1, 2014 in her home. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 4th at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal at 10:00 a.m. with The Rev. N. Luke Back, Rector, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Patty Baker Nixon was born on February 11, 1928 in San Antonio to Jamie and Julie Nixon. She attended St. Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA and graduated from Smith College in Northampton, MA. Her last year of college was spent in Mexico, earning her credit for her Spanish degree, and beginning her lifelong love of Spanish and languages. In 1949 she met the love of her life, Scott Taliaferro. Shortly after they were married, they moved to Abilene, TX as Scott started his oil and gas business. She was an avid sportswoman, never content to sit on any sideline. She won the Texas State Tennis Championship in high school and encouraged love for the game in her own sons and grandchildren. She received her pilots’ license when she was 17 and was an active member of the 99s Women’s Flying Association. She loved ice-skating, playing golf, hunting, music, spending time with family, and writing 15-page letters to her twin sister, Polly. Patty’s luminous spirit was evident in everything she did. An active member of the Abilene Philharmonic, Patty shared her love of music with thousands of elementary school students, traveling around to schools to talk about her passion for the arts. She was president of the Texas Association of Symphony Orchestras, the Abilene Philharmonic, and an active member of the Abilene Woman’s Club, Abilene Cotillion, and Los Aficionados. There was never a frown she couldn’t disarm with one of her famous rum cakes, which she gave to almost every office worker, doctor or friend in town. She turned entertaining into an art form. From inviting each new Dyess base commander over for dinner to hosting an annual Christmas caroling party complete with her accordion, she was the perfect hostess. She always loved to throw a party, perhaps because she was always the life of one. Patty had a positive influence on her family, her friends, and all who knew her. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife, incredible mother and grandmother, generous friend, and philanthropic member of the community. Patty is survived by her two sons, Scott Jr. and Leigh, daughters-in-law Cindy and Michele, grandchildren Jamie, Jennabeth, John, Amy, Kristi, Nick and Julie and sisters Polly Pater of Atlanta, GA and Linda Seeligson of San Antonio, TX.