In lieu of flowers, please donate to
Susan G. Komen in her memory
http://www.info-komen.org/goto/ShirleyTaylor

Shirley Adams Taylor, a woman whose life resonated with faith, joy, and unwavering dedication, has peacefully entered into eternal rest. Her journey, deeply rooted in the blessed assurance of her Lord, unfolded like a cherished hymn, echoing the profound lines of "Blessed Assurance."

🎵Heir of Salvation…Born of His Spirit, Washed in His Blood
Shirley's life began as a testament to divine grace on September 26, 1944, when a midwife in Beaumont, Texas, welcomed her into the living room of Era Colquitt and Lug Karia Adams. At 18 months old, Era moved Shirley and her two siblings to Lufkin, Texas. Despite the prevalence of segregation and Era's third-grade education, she possessed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, ensuring homework was always done around the family table so everyone could learn. Surrounded by a supportive community, Era relied on neighborhood and church adults, like Mrs. Cash-Allen, who ensured Shirley and her siblings attended Sunday school and service. Upon returning home, they'd shed their Sunday best to present the lesson to their mother, cementing a spiritual foundation that made Shirley an "heir of salvation, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood."

🎵Perfect Submission, Perfect Delight
Shirley's independence and willing "perfect submission" to God's path for her life blossomed into "perfect delight." At 16, she moved to Abilene, Texas, on her own, renting a room from the Gilmore family and quickly meeting her lifelong best friend and future maid of honor, Jean Sloan. Shirley attended Carter G. Woodson High School, dedicated to her studies and renowned for taking the best notes. Her light caught the eye of Benjamin Taylor, a senior football player on track to be valedictorian. Their first date, a picnic, became a humorous memory when a nervous Benjamin forgot the meat for the sandwiches. Despite a hungry start, their courtship deepened. Knowing they were destined for marriage, they began building a hope chest. As high school graduation approached, Shirley asked her seamstress to make her graduation dress double as a wedding gown. Just one week after graduating, on June 14, 1963, she married Benjamin Taylor in his parents' living room. From that day on, they were inseparable, building a common dream and setting goals for their lives and the family they wanted to nurture.

🎵Angels Descending Bring From Above
The melody of Shirley's life was enriched by the "angels descending" that brought her countless blessings, especially her cherished family. On a cold December day, just before a snowstorm, Benjamin and Shirley welcomed their only child, Samantha. Their ambitions led them to Dallas, and after getting settled, Shirley found a job helping the Ewing Street Church of the Living God open a daycare center. She then became the personal secretary for Dr. C.A.W. Clark at Good Street Baptist Church before becoming a beloved teacher at the church's daycare, where she met another lifelong friend, Mrs. Verna Raven. In 1970, she and her family joined Good Street Baptist Church. Shirley was active in the Board of Christian Education, faithfully served the youth department with Sisters Mary Allen and Lillie Brooks, and worked with the Citywide Revival Youth for Christ for over 40 years. After catching too many colds from her students, Shirley heeded her mother's advice and transitioned to Neiman Marcus, starting in the mail department and moving to Accounts, where she dedicated over 30 years.

Being a working woman in corporate and church life never deterred her from her #1 commitment: being a devoted wife and mother. From supporting Benjamin's demanding engineering schedule with domestic and international travels, to being Samantha's #1 supporter, class chaperone, head costume maker, and PTA leader, Shirley always found time for her home. On her 41st birthday, Samantha presented her with a forever gift—a granddaughter, Unique, born on her birthday—and Shirley joyfully embraced the titles of #1 supporter and class chaperone once more, becoming known as everyone's grandmother. As she and Benjamin retired within months of each other, they found joy in a new routine as empty nesters, caring for their mothers, and taking on new house projects. When Benjamin's health declined and he lost his sight, Shirley became his devoted caretaker and advocate, helping him maintain his independence until his passing in 2021.

At the height of the pandemic, Shirley bravely faced a breast cancer diagnosis, and would have completed treatment this August. But God, in His infinite wisdom, saw fit for her to ring His heavenly bell a little sooner to join the Heavenly chorus. She is now reunited with her beloved husband Benjamin Taylor, mother Era Colquitt Mims, brother Lug Karia Adams Jr., baby sister LaMesia Mims, and niece Ellen Voyette Swann.

Shirley's memory, her profound words of wisdom, and countless acts of kindness will be eternally treasured by her loving daughter Samantha Taylor, devoted granddaughter Unique Carey (Brandon), sister Nola Mae Swann,  niece Rosiland Adams,  great-nieces Kariaun Adams  and Joycelyn Shephard, nephews Bryon Swann (Carla)  and Stanley Swann (Yasuko), godson Bishop Elnor Reed III (Debra) , goddaughter Astyne Frank (Lenton), god-grandson Cameron Mitchell  and a host of cherished relatives and friends whose lives she touched with her blessed assurance.