Kaye Talman

 Kaye Baldwin Talman (nickname Kaye Belle), a wife, mother, and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully at her residence in Cosby, TN on August 10, 2023. Born on February 2, 1949 in Asheville, Kaye lived a life filled with compassion, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around her.

Educated at Bradley High School in Cleveland, Tennessee as part of the class of 1967, Kaye went on to pursue higher education at Cleveland State and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. While in college, she showcased her passion for the arts by actively participating in several plays. One role that stood out was her performance in Neil Simon’s, "Star Spangled Girl," where she captivated audiences with her exceptional talent done in the round with two other actors.

Kaye's professional journey began at T. H. Payn Company, an office furniture design company in Cleveland, TN. She then ventured onward to become the first female hire in sales at Leaver Brothers for the New Orleans District. However, her admirable sense of responsibility led her to leave Leaver Brothers behind to care for her beloved grandmother in Canton, NC. It was this selfless act that epitomized Kaye's character and showcased her deep love for family. Kaye began working with Talman Office Supply in Asheville, eventually managing their Waynesville location in the early 1990’s. It was Kaye’s vision to transition Talman’s building into rental property. Receiving her real estate license in 1989, she also worked for Apple Realty.

Kaye's vibrant personality was evident through her numerous involvements in their community. She was a past member of Cleveland TN Toastmasters and the Haywood Rotary Club. Her dedication extended beyond personal growth as she took on leadership roles as President of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce and played an instrumental part in the Downtown Waynesville Association's Block Parties and Chamber Breakfast with Your Local Politician. Moreover, Kaye's love for classic cars inspired her to coordinate the beginning of the Big Gun Cruise Ins in Clyde, NC "Clyde Alive After 5" - an event that showcases hundreds of classic cars from all over the southeast. This endeavor allowed enthusiasts to come together and celebrate their shared passion while creating joyous memories.

Kaye's compassion extended to our four-legged friends as well. She actively supported the Haywood Animal Welfare Association and played a vital role in its endeavors to provide low cost spay and neuter care and adoption services for animals in need. Demonstrating her creativity and commitment, Kaye helped start a golf tournament that offered her classic car as a hole-in-one prize - an event that brought together her passion for both golf and vintage cars.

In addition to her vast accomplishments, Kaye was an incredible wife and mother. She shared 45 wonderful years of marriage to the date, August 10, with her husband, Charles Seifert Talman. Together, they built a beautiful family with love and laughter. Kaye leaves behind her son, Cody Everette Talman, of Waynesville; stepson, Charles Talman Jr., of Canton; and stepdaughter, Elizabeth Talman Ball and her husband, Wendell, of Youngsville, NC. Kaye was also blessed with two grandchildren, Creighton, and Rachael Ball, who brought immense joy to her life; and her beloved dog, Tucker, who stayed by her side during her illness.

Kaye was preceded in death by her parents, Jack Henry and Betty Hargrove Baldwin. Their love surely guided her throughout life, leaving lasting imprints on the extraordinary person she became.

The family would also like to extend a thank you to Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice for their care and compassion for Kaye.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sarges Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc. 256B Industrial Park Dr. Waynesville, NC 28786, Haywood Animal Welfare Association dba Haywood Spay/Neuter 182 Richland St. STE 1, Waynesville, NC 28786, or a shelter of your choice.  

A memorial service will be held at the Lake Junaluska Columbarium at 4:00 pm Friday, August 25, 2023.  

The care of Mrs. Talman has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.