Mendola Joy Colson

Mendola Joy Taylor Colson, 102, of the Keefer Community of Grant County, KY, entered her eternal home on Saturday, October 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at St. Elizabeth Hospice Center in Edgewood. Born on July 6, 1924, in Holbrook, KY, she was the daughter of the late Otha and Elsie Jackson Taylor. She lived a long and enriching life marked by faith, family, devotion and simple daily joys that brought warmth to everyone who knew her.

On April 25, 1942, she was united in marriage to Jesse Dean Colson, Sr.; after 72 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on November 3, 2014. She lived an incredible life; she will best be remembered as the newspaper delivery lady for the Kentucky Post. She delivered her first newspaper on September 1, 1954. Through hard times, snowstorms, hot and sunny days and through the birth of two more children, she began a journey that would last 57 years; she delivered her last newspaper on December 31, 2007. Through her patience and steady spirit, she also found much pleasure in sewing; she made over 30,000 corn hole bags and purses.

At the heart of Mendola’s life was her faith and love for family. That steady, committed spirit shaped the grace, kindness and strength that animated her life. She was a member of Corinth Christian Church but was most recently attending Antioch Church of Christ.

Mendola is lovingly survived by her children: Jesse Dean (Linda) Colson, Jr., of Corinth, Terry Layne Colson of Williamstown, Ronald E. Colson of Dry Ridge, Otha Robin Colson of Corinth, Sharon (Tim) Beach of Dry Ridge and Angie (Pat) McLafferty of Dry Ridge.  Also surviving are her 17 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, 16 great-great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Jesse, Sr., she was preceded in death by a son, Robert Gayle Colson, a brother, Buford Dean Taylor; a sister, Lucille Taylor, three grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. at Elliston Stanley Funeral Homes – Williamstown. Funeral services will begin at 1:00; she will be laid to rest beside her husband at Antioch Church of Christ.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mendola’s memory to:  St. Elizabeth Hospice Center, 483 S. Loop Dr.,     Edgewood, KY 41017.