Samuel Stuart Taylor

On September 20, 2018 Deacon Samuel Stuart Taylor, Sr. transitioned from his earthly journey to eternal rest. Deacon Taylor greeted the world on October 5, 1928 being born to the late Patrick Henry and Annie Moseley Taylor of Richmond, Virginia. He grew up in the vibrant African American community of Newtowne-West. Sam, as he was affectionately known,  was a member of the Maggie L. Walker Cadet Corp, winning numerous honors and recognitions. He was very popular, loved music and was an excellent student, graduating as Valedictorian of the Maggie L. Walker Class of 1946. After graduation, he attended Virginia State University, playing in the concert and marching bands.Samuel married the love of his life, Phyllis Louise Allen, February 7, 1948, and in 2018 they celebrated 70 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Sandra, Marsha’ and Samuel, Jr. Both daughters unabashedly confessed to being “Daddy’s Girls” and his son considered his Dad his “Buddy”. Just as he was dedicated to his children, his five grandchildren were the light of his life.Deacon Taylor accepted the Lord as a child at First Union Baptist Church. He joined St. Paul’s Baptist Church shortly after he married Phyllis and was very active in the ministry.  He sang with the Chancel Choir, the Gospel Choir and the Men’s Chorus and served as Superintendent of the Sunday School for several years. Sam became a Deacon March 1, 1987 and after twenty-five years of service was honored with the title, Deacon Emeritus.Sam worked at Sampson Paint Company (formerly Alcatraz Paint Company) for 46 years, rising to the rank of Plant Manager, the first African American to serve at that level. Deacon Taylor was an informal mentor to numerous men and all who knew him, loved him. In recognition of his character and faithfulness, he was inducted into the Young Women’s Christian League, Inc., an organization devoted to “Others Rather Than Self”, as an Honorary Member.He leaves behind to cherish his memory a loving wife, Phyllis; devoted children - two daughters, Sandra Taylor of Richmond, VA and Dr. Marsha’ Horton (Robert) of Magnolia,  DE; one son, Samuel, Jr. (Anita) of Richmond, VA; grandchildren -Alexandria Nicole Griffin, Samuel James Horton, Jasmine Marie-Louise Horton, Sophia Grace Taylor and Samuel Stuart Taylor, III; one brother, Henry S. Taylor (Sharon); three nephews, Michael and Patrick Taylor, and “AT” Trimiew; three nieces, Tonya Taylor, Sandra Person (James)and Diane Bacon (Chris);one sister-in-law, Julia Johnson; and a host of cousins, friends and loved ones.He will forever be in our hearts and always remembered with love, laughter and grace.Remains rest at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home 2011 Grayland Ave 2011 Grayland Ave. where the family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30PM Monday. Funeral services will be held 11AM Tuesday at St. Paul's Baptist Church 4247 Creighton Road. Dr. Lance D. Watson pastor. Interment Greenwood Memorial Gardens. Family and friends assemble at the church 10:45AM Tuesday