Marguerite Taylor Jones passed on May 17, 2021, at the age of 89.

She was born May 6, 1932 in Hampton to Samuel Watson Mugler and Ann Marguerite Farley Mugler.

Growing up in the Wythe area of Hampton at an early age she would ride a local storekeeper's pony, Trixie, throughout the neighborhood jumping any and all of the neighbors' fences she encountered. That started her love for ponies and horses. Marguerite excelled in both band and track at Hampton High School while also being a top student and honing her horsemanship skills.

Marguerite met Kenny Taylor (Sr.) at a local fox hunt and their mutual love for horses and ponies grew into a relationship.  In 1952, the couple was married and together they continued to enjoy their passion for showing and raising horses and ponies.  For many years, Marguerite, was recognized as one of the top pony breeders in the country. She was known for her prowess raising, showing selling many top ponies including her own homebred champion, Cymraeg Rain Beau.

Over the years, many children were taught to ride by Marguerite on the family's farm. To this day, those familiar with Taylor Made Ponies give high praise to Marguerite.

She was inducted into the Virginia Horse Show Association Hall of Fame, The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame, Virginia Horse Show Association Horsewoman of the Year, and the Andrew Montgomery Award for Meritorious action within the VHSA. Additionally, in the mid-60s she was a Coach for the United States Pony Team that traveled to England to compete. She was also one of four founders of the Virginia Pony Breeders Association.

In addition to her love of ponies Marguerite had many other talents such as gardening, ceramics, visiting local thrift stores and was also known for taking in whatever dog or cat needed a home.

She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel W. Mugler, her mother Anne Marguerite Mugler, brother Charles W. Mugler, husband M. Kenneth Taylor, Sr. and second husband Fred C. Jones.

After the death of her husband, M. Kenneth Taylor, Sr., Marguerite married Fred C. "Ducky" Jones.  The two enjoyed working at the barn, fishing, and shared a love for all animals.

Marguerite is survived by daughter Marianne Taylor, son M. Kenneth Taylor, Jr. and his wife Robin, sister in law Lydia P. Mugler, grandchildren Annie Wheliss (Marianne) and Jeffrey Taylor (Ken) and nephews Chuck Mugler and Mark Mugler.

She enjoyed her times with her wonderful friends when they would gather at her beloved barn.  A special thanks to Angelia, Ingrid, Betty, Teri, and many others that did so much to make her later years so special.  In addition, much appreciation is given to the staff at James River Convalescent for their loving care during her time there.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 21,2021 at 11:00 AM at Parklawn Memorial Park in Hampton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peninsula SPCA or Danny & Ron's Rescue.