Katie Taylor

Mrs. Katie M. Taylor (nee Burford) was born September 21, 1937 as the first of three children to the late William Henry Burford and the late Mrs. Mary Bell Burford in Desoto County, Mississippi. Katie was preceded in death by her loving husband James H.K. Taylor, her younger brother, William Henry Burford Jr. (“Sonny”), son, Mr. Kenneth H. Taylor and daughter, Sharon K. Taylor. After Katie and her siblings tragically lost their mother when she was only six years old, they were taken to live with their maternal grandfather, William Taylor. Grandaddy William, as he was affectionately known to her, instilled in her the foundation of faith in Christ. For a brief period, Katie went to live with her aunt and uncle in Memphis and attended Hamilton Elementary School, where she discovered her passion for learning and became an “A” student. Her time in “the big city” solidified her desire to live beyond the country. Upon her return to Mississippi, she attended Bob White Elementary School. Katie graduated from Geeter High School in 1955, where she was a proud member of the Geeter “Dancing Dolls” team. Through the foundation laid by her grandfather, she accepted Jesus Christ at an early age on the mourning bench at the family church, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi. She journeyed into a more meaningful and deeper relationship with Christ while attending St. Joseph Spiritual Temple. For over forty-five years, Katie was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, serving in several leadership roles including Sunday School Teacher, member of the Women’s Ministry, and a prayer warrior. Shortly after graduating high school, Katie’s beauty, personality, petite frame, and long flowing hair attracted the attention of a handsome, debonair gentleman named James Taylor. After a week of dating, the two married on May 3, 1956, a union that lasted over 65 years until her husband’s death in 2021. Through their union, Katie gave birth to nine children, maintaining a boy-girl order for all births, but she was the mother of eleven. Katie took pride in being a homemaker and taking care of her family. She was a skilled cook, cleaner, and seamstress, often making her children’s clothes. As her children grew older, Katie sought part-time work to contribute to the family finances. She worked as a gift wrapper at Lowenstein Department Store and Sears in Southland Mall. She also worked as a housekeeper for wealthy families. Ultimately, Katie found joy working as a cashier for Kroger Store on South Third Street, where she retired in 1999 after over 18 years of service. Katie was a loving sister, wife, mother, faithful neighbor, good friend, and maternal figure in the neighborhood. She would often take her children, grandchildren, and neighborhood children to the library as well as to church on Sundays so they could feed their minds as well as their souls. Whether through a warm cooked meal, confidence to excel, encouraging words, or just a loving hug, Katie was passionate about investing in the youth. Katie opened her home frequently to those in need and served as a caregiver to many friends and family members throughout her life. Katie was the heartbeat of the “Taylor Compound,” instilling the importance of her family being together, showing love and forgiveness, congregating to pray, and having faith in God. Her meals, laughter, and love were the center point of a host of gatherings for family, friends, and neighbors. Katie’s sweet spirit and smile touched the lives of all that she encountered. She spent countless hours caring and giving to not only her family members, but to all she came in contact with. To know her is to know her concern, compassion, and love for people. She exemplifies a Proverbs 31 Woman. Katie leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Ernestine (“Tina”) Lavergne (Roland), six (6) sons - Robert Chalmers, Bishop Allen Chalmers, Sr. (Sharon), Antonio H. Taylor, Richard S. Taylor, Sr. (Valerie), Apostle David E. Taylor, and Chris “Rico” Taylor, three (3) daughters- Angela J. Taylor, Marilyn M. Robinson (James), and Zondra V. Taylor; 25 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Katie Taylor

September 21, 1937 - October 21, 2024