Odessa B. Taylor

ODESSA BEATRICE TAYLOR, (Sheppard) transitioned on Sunday, February 18, 2024, after living a life well spent. She was born on May 18, 1941, in Baltimore City, Maryland to the late Ulysses and Olivia Sheppard. She grew up in a loving Christian home, the youngest of two children. Her bond with her loving sister was broken when Delaphine preceded her in death. She received her early education in Baltimore City Public Schools. She graduated from Douglass High School in 1959 and attended Morgan State College. For over 50 years she has been a lifetime member of the Douglass High School Alumni Association. She worked as a teacher’s aide in the Baltimore City Public School System for five years, and also worked as a clerk for 34 years at Bethlehem Steel Corporation until she retired in 2006. Odessa was a devoted wife for over 62 years to Emmitt, Sr. They married on June 20, 1961, and remained devoted to each other until she transitioned. Emmitt was the love of her life and created a loving, stable and secure home for their family. They have two loving sons, Emmitt Taylor, Jr. and Samuel Taylor. Odessa was very proud of her sons’ accomplishments and the choices they made throughout their lives. Both men started their spiritual walk as children with their loving mother, attending Trinity Baptist Church. Odessa has one daughter in-love Barbara whom she considers as the daughter she never had. She was overjoyed with the arrival of her granddaughter Shannon, whom she loved and spoiled. She was extremely proud of Shannon’s accomplishments and enjoyed going to her plays, recitals and games, and was always present to support her. Besides her undying love and dedication to her immediate family, Odessa loved spending time at the beach, especially with her one and only nephew Ricky Watts and cousin James (Jim) Bowling. She also loved to travel. She visited Florida, Bahamas, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Skiing resorts in Pennsylvania, New Orleans, shopping trips, and of course outings to the beach every Sunday. Every year she enjoyed preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for her family and friends, and she always had a gift for everyone who walked in her door. Odessa had a lively, sweet and energetic spirit. Her contagious laugh and smile lit up any room. Her bubbly personality amounted to many friendships that lasted throughout her life, especially her devoted friend of over 65 years, Peggy Byrd. Odessa was always willing to help anyone. She made sure she visited bereaved families to ensure their needs were met and often ran errands for people without expecting anything in return. Odessa faithfully attended Trinity Baptist Church. There she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School and on the Trustee Board. In 1987, she continued her spiritual journey at Rising Sun First Baptist Church. She was an active member and led different ministries: The Pastor’s Aid, The Courtesy Guild, The Flower Circle, Missionaries, Bereavement Ministries and the First Aid Unit. She joyfully held some of these positions for more than twenty years. She was always available to help whenever called upon and always ensured that the Pastor and Clergy had what they needed on Sunday mornings. She was preceded in death by her father, Ulysses Sheppard, mother, Olivia Sheppard and sister, Delaphine Watts. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 62 years Emmitt Taylor Sr.; two sons, Emmitt Taylor Jr. (Barbara) and Samuel Taylor; granddaughter, Shannon Taylor; nephew; Ricky Watts (Stephanie); cousin, James Bowling (Marisa); three goddaughters and a host of other family and friends.

Tributes

Odessa B. Taylor

May 18, 1941 - February 18, 2024