Beverly Jean (Woods) Taylor

Beverly "Bev" Jean (Woods) Taylor was born to Willie and Cleoria Woods on February 17, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan. The second of four children born to this union, she transitioned to eternity on May 23, 2025, in McKinney, Texas. 

Having accepted Christ at an early age, Beverly was a dutiful and dedicated servant of the Lord. Her faith in Christ was shown through her life and family. Beginning with her graduation from Commerce High School in Detroit, where she participated in several student and civic activities, she had a fulfilling academic and working career.

A few years after high school, she married Robert Clarence Taylor. Theirs was a union that produced four children - Robert II (Pat), William (Dannielle), Ronald, Madison and Robin (Scott).  Robert and William preceded her in death.   

Outside of her spiritual walk and family, she dedicated her life and career to public service in positions in The United States Post Office and the City of Detroit where she was able to use her skills and knowledge in several departments, such as the Detroit Receiving Hospital, Water Department, Police Forfeiture, Medical section, and 1st Precinct, before retiring after over 30 years of service.   

In addition to her career, she worked as a part-time realtor and was actively engaged in the community as a member of The Elks Lodge and Eastern Star. She also volunteered her sewing skills, providing doll clothes with the Detroit Police Good Fellas Christmas Doll Drive.  

Although she was retired and reminded everyone she met that she was happy to do so, she continued to remain active, focusing her time toward volunteering in various ministries at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in Michigan, Friendship Baptist Church in Texas, as well as community and civic organizations, such as the National Action Network where she dedicated her efforts to political activism and other organizations that protect the civil and human rights of all people.  

She had many interests and hobbies, including sewing; crocheting; re-upholstering; decorating; solving challenging word games, studying the Bible; visiting museums; traveling; listening to gospel and classic soul; and discussing politics.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William; sons, Robert and William; and niece, Patria. As an ancestor, she now passes her wisdom and legacy to her children, Ronald and Robin (Scott); her daughters-in-law: Pat, Dannielle, and Madison; her sisters, Patricia and Carolyn; her grandchildren: Tarria (Derrick), Marcellus, Wendy, Malcolm, Briesha, Breaune (Cameron), Robert, and Brittaney; her nieces and nephews: Dorie (Kamau), Janice, Vonnie (Gary), Spencer (Felicia), and Kimberly (Charles); five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and a host of other beloved relatives and friends.  

    Iya ni wura (Mother is Gold)

A Treasure untold
Gifted to the Human race
To soften life’s arduous task 

Yeye ni wura
A crystal gift
Given to humanity
That the vicissitudes of life can be curtail

For truly mother is gold
An irreplaceable gem
Which shines and sparkle
In the darkest days of life

Soothing our deepest pains
Anchoring us safe through the raging winds of life
That we may glow in crystal gold

by Laju Ereyitomi Oyewoli

Màmá, títí tí màá fi tún rí ẹ

(Mama, Until we see you again)

In lieu of flowers, all are encouraged to donate to the United Negro College Fund. Click the link below:

United Negro College Fund

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