Mrs. Curtis Lee Taylor

January 17, 1926 - November 18, 2020

Mrs. Curtis Lee Herdisene Kitchens (Catchings) Taylor went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 18, 2020. She was born January 17, 1926 to the union of Joseph Kitchens (Catchings) and Florence Hays Kitchens (Catchings) in Florence, MS, the seventh child of twelve. She also regarded nephews Will Roy Catchings and Millard Catchings as her brothers. Mother grew up in Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Florence, MS and accepted Jesus Christ as savior at an early age. She graduated from Lanier High School in Jackson, MS, then moved to Toledo in 1947. She was joined in marriage with her childhood sweetheart, James Edward Jones Taylor, Sr. in 1948. Their union was blessed with five children. Mother was a devoted Third Baptist Church member of seventy-two years and became an active member of Women’s Council and Twentieth Century Club. Mother served as the committee for telephone and greeting card outreach. She supported church functions including Vacation Bible School, Kitchen ministry, fundraisers, and most recently, active participation in the Thursday Prayer Line. She looked forward to attending church services every week and socializing with her TBC family. Mother began her career in public education by volunteering with Toledo Public Schools as a parent teacher aide. She attended Owens Community College, and earned an Assistant Teacher certification. Mother also completed additional courses and workshops in Early Childhood Development. She retired from Toledo Head Start/EOPA in 1993. Mother enjoyed nurturing her family, sewing, shopping, gardening, traveling, and crossword puzzles. She shared these passions with her dear friend of 70 years, Mrs. Bessie Hocker. She also enjoyed hosting family gatherings and preparing holiday meals. Her favorite tv entertainment were Westerns, game shows, and NBA games. Mother was preceded in death by James, her loving husband of 63 years , son Edwin Cordell, Sr., granddaughter Benita Camille Alli, Mother and Father, brothers Joe Willie and Morris “Boy”, sisters Susie B (LeRoy) Bobbit, Juanita (R.T.) Braddy, Marie Neal, Alma (Eugene) Taylor, Lee Gertha (Milton) Phillips, Bernice (Morris) Stone, and Jackie (William) Shaw, Genevieve Isom, Brothers-in-law Ted Scales, Eddie Ravon, W.G. Hayes, Wilbert (Deletha) Taylor and Michael Taylor, sister-in-law L.E. (Less) Kirkland. Mother Dear leaves to cherish her memory children J. Edward, Jr. (Phyllis), Sandra Denise Alli, Sharon, and Sonya. Sisters Mary Evelyn Hayes, Sandra D. Catchings, LaVonne (William) Pitchford, Unevieve Weathersby, Juanita Evans, and sisters-in-law Sadie M. Ravon and Annie Taylor. Grandchildren Tiara Taylor, Edwin Taylor, Jr. , Elrico (Leania) Alli II, James Alli I, and Tameka (Yachin) Hillebrand. Also seven great grandchildren and a host of special and beloved nieces and nephews. Special thanks extended to Dr. Ruby Nucklos, Third Baptist Church, friend and neighbor Mrs. Marsha Allen, the staff of Ohioans, Mercy St. Vincent Hospital, UTMC-4th floor Nursing, ProMedica Home Medical Equipment, and NW Ohio Hospice.