It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Martha Taylor Johnson, who bravely and fearlessly fought a rare form of cancer, mucosal melanoma, for nearly three years. Martha Taylor departed this world on January 20, 2025, at the age of 44, surrounded by her loving family in Florence, AL.
Martha Taylor, lovingly known as “MT,” was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose kindness and vibrant spirit touched everyone she met. Her warmth and friendliness were apparent from the very beginning, as her first word was “Hi!” Throughout her life, she carried this welcoming energy, brightening every room she entered and making everyone feel seen and appreciated.
Martha Taylor grew up in Florence, AL and graduated from Coffee High School in 1999, where she was a standout student and leader. She loved embodying school spirit for the Yellow Jackets as head cheerleader and was honored by her classmates as “Miss Coffee High School.” These roles reflected her boundless energy, natural charisma, and ability to bring people together.
After high school, Martha Taylor pursued her passion for caring for others by studying nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). After graduating, she began her career in the Children’s NICU at UAB in Birmingham, where she provided exceptional care to countless families.
Martha Taylor and her husband of 24 years and high school sweetheart, Andrew, moved to Charlotte, where she continued her work in the critical care unit. Together, they embraced the joys of being young and in their twenties, sharing a love for music, dance, and travel.
Eventually, they decided to return to Florence to start their family. After the birth of their son, Drew, they moved to London, England where their adventures continued. With the arrival of their daughter, Vivienne, their journey took them to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands where they spent treasured family time each year. There, Martha Taylor discovered a new zest for life, embracing aquatic activities like free diving and immersing herself in the beauty of the islands.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Martha Taylor stepped into a crucial role, working tirelessly in the ICU at the hospital in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Her unwavering dedication and compassion during this challenging time exemplified her selflessness and strength.
Driven by her compassion and a deep commitment to helping others, Martha Taylor founded the non-profit organization One-to-None, which raised funds for Type 1 diabetes research, a cause she cared about deeply. Her passion for making a difference extended far beyond her immediate circle, leaving a legacy of hope and progress for others.
Martha Taylor had a unique talent for bringing people together for celebrations and making others feel cherished and appreciated. A gifted dancer and cheerleader, she carried her enthusiasm into every performance, often dragging her two brothers to cheerleading competitions—reluctantly at first, but they admired her passion and drive.
Martha Taylor made lifelong friendships everywhere she went, always finding beauty in every moment and leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Martha Taylor’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Andrew Johnson; her cherished daughter, Vivienne “Viv” Taylor Johnson; her beloved son, Andrew Caleb Johnson II “Drew”; her parents, Jack and Sissy Pounders; her brothers, Jordan Pounders (wife Mimi and daughter Audrey) and John Brooks Pounders (wife Tu Trieu) and grandfather, H. Glenn French. She will forever remain in their hearts as a source of love, strength, and inspiration.
A memorial service to honor Martha Taylor’s life will be held on January 25th, 2025 with visitation from 1-3 PM and Service at 3-4 PM in McDowell Hall located at First United Methodist Church in downtown Florence, AL. In lieu of flowers, Martha Taylor kindly asks for donations to be made to One to None, 639 North Wood Avenue, Florence, Alabama 35630 http://one2none.org.
Martha Taylor’s light and love will continue to shine through the lives of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
