Taylor Christine Roth PhD of Dallas, Texas peacefully passed away on April 19, 2024, after bravely facing a long battle with brain cancer.
Taylor graced this world on October 8, 1991, in Amarillo, Texas, before moving to Plano at the age of 4, where she blossomed into a curious and compassionate soul. Her journey of learning and love was fostered at Plano Senior High School, where she developed a passion for the humanities and trivia. She graduated with honors in 2010.
Despite facing a brain tumor diagnosis in 2011, Taylor's indomitable spirit shone brightly when she represented Baylor University on the television show, Jeopardy! in 2013. Taylor's thirst for knowledge led her to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology from Baylor University in 2015, magna cum laude, followed by a doctoral degree in child psychology from the University of Nebraska, graduating in 2022. She also found joy in imparting knowledge to aspiring young minds as a teaching assistant at UNL.
Taylor was a member of Mensa, Phi Beta Kappa, and had authored or co-authored several articles on psychology topics. Two opinion pieces that she wrote on societal issues were published in the Dallas Morning News.
Her recent job at the Center for Public Partnerships and Research, part of the University of Kansas, showcased her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children through her expertise in psychology and research.
Taylor's compassionate heart, fueled by her strong Christian faith, brought light and hope to those around her. She sponsored a child through Compassion International and worked in the children’s ministries at churches in Plano, Texas and Lincoln, Nebraska. Taylor was an avid supporter of Head for the Cure, which raises money to help find a cure for brain cancer. She visited Capitol Hill last year to lobby for additional brain cancer research funding and for better federal support of brain cancer patients.
Taylor's generosity and thoughtfulness knew no bounds. She had a knack for remembering birthdays, showering loved ones with heartfelt gifts, and uplifting spirits with her encouraging messages. One of her best friends was her cat, Maddy.
Her love for traveling and embracing new adventures inspired others to enjoy every moment of life's journey. Taylor savored fine food – finding and leading her parents to some of the best restaurants in the country. She also loved baking and cooking.
Taylor leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience cherished by her parents, Phillip Richard Roth and Stacy Walton Roth, her maternal grandparents, John Frank Walton and Linda Koonce Walton, her uncle John Christopher Walton, aunt Melissa Roth Fisher, uncle Michael Fisher, and cousins Abby Fisher Crother and Zachary Fisher. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Richard James Roth and Duva Hinshaw Roth.
Taylor’s family would like to thank the many health professionals who have helped Taylor over the years, particularly her neuro oncologist Dr. Elizabeth Maher and social worker Alexandra Huffman, as well as loving caregivers and Taylor’s other dear friends. In honoring Taylor's memory, let us carry forward her legacy of kindness, curiosity, and unwavering faith, knowing that her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.
A celebration of life service for Taylor will be held Saturday, May 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Citizen’s Church, 4501 Legacy Drive, in Plano, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Head for the Cure Foundation, https://give.headforthecure.org/team/548932.