Jennie Lee Taylor

JENNIE LEE TAYLOR, 73, died June 15, 2005, at the Northwest Hospital Center after a courageous battle with cancer.The former Jennie Lee Ford was born August 2, 1931 in Nottoway County in the mountains of Virginia. Throughout her life she expressed her great love for her mother Virginia Ford, who died at the age of 48. As young girls she and her sister, Virginia Ellzabeth came to live in Baltimore. They lived with their uncle and aunt on the third floor of the building that housed Emmanuel Christian Church; the pastor and his wife lived in the second floor. The church was a focal point in their lives, and the girls spent every Sunday at the Church from sunup to sundown. Jennie received the Lord as her savior at a young age. She was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools, studied cosmetology at Carver Vocational High School, and for many years was beautician for family and friends.In November 1949 she named William E. Taylor, Sr. For several years Jennie was a homemaker, caring for their three daughters and a son. She was an excellent seamstress, and passed this skill on to each of her daughters.In 1968, Jennie went to work as a Youth Supervisor at the Monttrose School for Girls and later the Charles Hickey School. In 1991 she retired after 25 years of service with the State of Marfand. She developed several strong friendships during her tenure there, and enjoyed yearly reunions with other retirees from the schools.After her retirement, she happily cared for her grandchildren, Steven and Stephanie. She took an active role at the Rognel Heights Recreation Center, teaching young children to sew and crochet.Jennie was a member of the Church of God, and just as it had in her youth, the Church became a big and fulfilling part of her life. She joyfully worked on the Reach Program, served as an usher, leader of Group #11, and as a Vacation Bible School volunteer. She tirelessly provided transportation, encouragement, and meals to sick and shut-in church members and relatives Jennie was constantly doing for others, and it was a great source of joy to her.She enjoyed bowling and played on two leagues--the Lucky Dozen Pius and the Ladies of the A.M. She also loved working out regularly, and was a fixture at her fitness center. She finally overcame her fear of water and took swimming lessons and water aerobics for many years. She was an excellent cook, specializing in Southern soul food as well as regional seafood, She enjoyed traveling and especially enjoyed her twice yearly sabbaticals in Orlando, Florida at her son William’s home. Her destinations Included Jamaica, Sedona, Arizona, the Grand Canyon, Hilton Head, North Carolina, New York City, and in October 2004, her first cruise to the Caribbean.The roles Jennie was most proud of were those of mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. As the family matriarch, her home was a place to visit for laughter, fun, games and great food. She had a unique relationship with each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each child knew they were loved and supported. Jennie was warm and loving, but she was also firm, and expected them to do their best and be their best. One of her final requests was that all of her family accept the Lord and be faithful followers of His Word.Jennie Is survived by her daughters, Cathleen Taylor Dudley (Walter), Cynthia Ann Taylor, Cheryl Taylor Leach, and her son, William Edwin Taylor, Jr., her beloved sister, Virginia ElIzabeth Scott; sister. Martha Woodson; brothers, Harry (Celestine) and Roosevelt Goings; step-sister, Sarah Frier, step-brother, James Parker; grandchildren, Amy Lynn Taylor (Raynor), Celeste Anne Taylor, Lia Taylor Kekovic,(Sasha), Jay Taylor Dudley, Steven Martinaze Leach Jr., Stephanie Taylor Leach; great-grandchildren, Chloe Leigh Kekovic, Jordan Raynor Taylor, and Nikolas Alexander Kekovic and nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and a loving church family.

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Jennie Lee Taylor

August 2, 1931 - June 15, 2005