Tannersville, Virginia

Nyoka Marie Rickman Taylor, a devoted wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, treasured sister, and faithful servant of the Lord, entered into the presence of her Savior on Saturday, August 9, 2025, surrounded by the family she so deeply loved. She was a woman whose life radiated creativity, strength, and an unshakable devotion to others, and whose love was as boundless as it was selfless.

Born to John Rickman and Mildred Pauley Rickman, Nyoka was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Leotha Woods, her brother, Eddie Rickman, and many other beloved family members and friends. We rejoice knowing she is now reunited with them, completely healed and whole, resting in the arms of her Savior.

On June 15, 1973, Nyoka married the love of her life, J.C. Taylor. Together, they built a life in Tannersville, Virginia, raising their family with unwavering love and sharing more than five decades of laughter, partnership, and devotion.

Nyoka is survived by her husband, J.C.; her daughter, Valerie Taylor Booth and her husband, Scott; her daughter, Rebecca Taylor Hamilton and her husband, Dustin; and four treasured grandchildren: Haley James Overholt, Taylor Ashlynn-Marie Booth, Isaac Asher Booth, and Nyoka Ella-Marie Booth. She is also survived by her brothers, Johnny Rickman and his wife, Diane, and Curtis Rickman and his wife, Janie, as well as her beloved niece, Carmen Woods Robles, whom she helped raise. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever remember the depth of her love for them.

Her children and grandchildren were blessed beyond measure to be loved by a mother and grandmother who gave her whole heart to them every day. Nyoka's love was not passive — it was intentional, tireless, and overflowing. She lived to nurture, to serve, and to create beauty for those she loved. She could sew a wardrobe, prepare a feast from scratch, grow and preserve a year's worth of food, and craft furniture with her own hands. Everything she touched bore the mark of her care.

Nyoka's servant's heart was rooted in her deep faith. A devoted follower of Christ, she made a sacred promise to raise her children to know and walk with the Lord, a promise she fulfilled through steadfast prayer and her example. She was a longtime member of Crabtree Methodist Church, where she worshipped faithfully and served humbly. In her final days, she was ready to meet her Lord, trusting fully in His promises.

There was truly nothing Nyoka could not do, nor anyone she would not aid. Her legacy is one of faith, service, creativity, and unconditional love. Though her absence leaves a tremendous ache, her family finds comfort in knowing she has stepped into her eternal home, greeted by the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

A memorial service to honor her life and celebrate her homegoing will be held at Crabtree Methodist Church in Tannersville, Virginia, at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Nyoka Marie Rickman Taylor