Gloria Jean (Crosby) Taylor was born on February 28, 1951, the eldest daughter of Martha L. Crosby and the late George Robert Watkins Sr. She was educated in the Maury County School System and graduated from Carver Smith in 1968 as Valedictorian. She furthered her educational studies at Columbia State Community College, receiving an Associates Degree, then continued to Middle Tennessee State University, where she received her B.S. Degree. After graduating, she taught Math at Mt. Pleasant High School.

Gloria married the love of her life, James “Jimmy” Taylor, on July 2, 1976 then relocated to Nashville, TN. Shortly after, she began working as an Administrative Assistant in the Dean’s Office at Meharry Medical College and subsequently other departments. She later retired from Meharry. Jimmy and Gloria raised their children, Scott and Carmelita in Hermitage, TN right outside of Nashville, where she lived until 2008.

She was born into the 8th Street Church of God, where she gave her life to Christ, and was baptized. She remained a faithful member to the body, even transferring to Meharry Blvd Church of God, when she relocated to Nashville. She served in various capacities to include the H.Y.P.U., Sunday School, Missionaries, Ladies in Blue, the Missionary Choir, The Drama and Youth Ministries, and even held District and National positions. When she relocated back to Columbia in 2008, she immediately became involved with her home church East 8th Street again and remained until she transitioned to the Church of God Columbia, non-denominational church. In addition to her work in the church, she also enjoyed reading, crocheting and needle point.

Gloria was known for her radiant warmth, sharp wit, and fierce love for her family. Her final weeks were spent in comfort and peace, choosing—just as she lived—to transition in her own way, with quiet strength and grace.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James “Jimmy” Taylor, and her father, George Robert Watkins Sr.

Gloria’s legacy lives on through her loving family:

• Her mother: Martha Lee Crosby

• Her children: Samuel Scott Taylor Sr. and Dr. Carmelita Pearson (Aubrey Pearson)

• Her grandchildren: Samuel Scott Taylor Jr., Preston Taylor, and Taylor Pearson

• Her siblings: Pamela Stovall, Lesia Watkins Clark, Alice Watkins Summers, and George Robert Watkins Jr.

• Her aunt: Lila Crosby

• Cherished family members by marriage: Birdie Lou Hardison, Johnny Lee Bellafant,  Jerry Bellafant, Ann Hardison, Eddie Lamar Duke, Vickie Joyce

• Beloved nieces and nephews: MeChelle Walker, LeWayne Stovall, Demetria Hardison, Jennifer Kinzer, Jeremy Bellafant, Tiffany Steward

• Beloved friends (including but not limited to): Lorrie Carr,  Dorthy Jean Lawrence, Valeria Oliver, Diane Lee, Lynn Kelly, Deacon Andrew Cannon, and Patricia Neal.

Thank you for your prayers, support, and patience during this time. Gloria’s life was a blessing to all who knew her—and her light will continue to shine through each of us.

Link to funeral program: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/eb9a09c483.htmlhttps://heyzine.com/flip-book/eb9a09c483.html

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/gloria-jean-taylor/obituary/

Copy