She was born Norma Sue Motheral on September 20, 1926, to Will Ed and Myrtie Alice Canter Motheral, in Cuba, Kentucky. She had an older brother, James P. Motheral, who preceded her in death. In her teens, her family moved to Detroit, Michigan in the post-depression years, where Sue graduated high school and attended Beauty College, earning her license in cosmetology. She and her family soon returned to Kentucky, making their home in Mayfield. When she was 24, a handsome Italian man swept her off her feet in his yellow convertible during a blind date. In less than 3 months, she became Mrs. Nick Silvestri. They had one son, Don, whom she adored. The feeling was mutual, and as she aged, Don ensured she knew she was adored by lovingly taking care of her needs and visiting her daily. Her eldest great-grandson once exclaimed that Nana would live to be 100 because Papa Don took such good care of her! Well, the Lord needed her sooner.
Sue and Nick owned Hollywood Beauty Salon in Mayfield until Donnie started school in 1957. Sue was a Red Cross Volunteer for many years and a member of the American Association of Cosmetology. At the time of her death, she was a member of Robinson and Center Church of Christ.
Sue remembered well the days of the Depression, never letting anything go to waste. If you ever sent her a card or letter, we have it. Her gifts and presentation were always thoughtful and magnificent, whether you were a close friend, Donnie’s teacher, or family. If you ever received a gift from Sue, you still remember it. A friend of Donnie’s once said that her meal of sandwich and chips took Sue over an hour to carefully prepare and beautifully present.
Sue was preceded in death by her husbands, Nick Silvestri and J. Ottie Taylor. She is survived by her son, Donald G. Silvestri (Kim) of Conway, AR. She was Nana to three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Cassie McCullough (Michael), Miles, and Leo of Rogers, AR; Chelsea McShane (Matthew), Arden, William, and Henry of Bentonville, AR; Connor Silvestri (Gabriella) and Kaia, of Fayetteville, AR. The family would like to thank Shirley Tatum, her long-time caregiver, for her tender care and devotion. We would also like to thank those who cared for our Mother during her short stay at Heritage Living Center after breaking her hip.
Graveside services for Mrs. Sue Silvestri Taylor will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Highland Park Cemetery. Interment will follow.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Byrn Funeral Home in Mayfield, KY.