Mrs. Brenda Joyce Taylor

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1–11

A Time to Be Born and a Time to Die
Brenda Joyce Taylor was born on January 30, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Bill and Rose Carey. She lived a life filled with love, service, and purpose for 75 years until her earthly journey ended on March 21, 2026, when she peacefully transitioned to be with her Heavenly Father.

A Time to Learn
Brenda was raised in Milwaukee, where she attended high school and later continued her education by taking college courses at Hawaii Pacific College.

A Time to Serve
With a heart dedicated to service, Brenda enlisted in the United States Navy in 1974 and honorably served her country until 1978. After her military service, she continued to serve her community as a private school teacher until 2005. Brenda had a true missionary spirit, she ensured that those in need were fed and cared for. Her love was often expressed through her cooking, especially during Thanksgiving, where her famous macaroni and cheese became a cherished tradition.

A Time to Love
While serving in the Navy, Brenda met the love of her life, Harold M. Taylor, Jr. They were united in holy matrimony on August 20, 1977, and shared 49 years of unwavering love and devotion. Together, they traveled the world while Harold continued his service in the United States Navy, with assignments in places including Japan, Korea, and Hawaii.

From their union, they were blessed with their beloved daughter, Sommerose Taylor, who was the center of Brenda’s world. Brenda dedicated her life to ensuring Sommerose had the very best. The family later settled in Tampa, Florida, where they made their home.

Brenda’s joy was multiplied with the birth of her only grandchild, Ezra Huskin, whom she lovingly nicknamed “Butter” because of his smooth, glowing complexion. He was her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with him. 

A Time to Laugh and Plant
Brenda had a joyful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh and brought joy to everyone around her. Her home was always open to family and friends.

She also had a passion for gardening and took pride in maintaining a beautiful yard full of vibrant plants and flowers, truly having a “green thumb.” Brenda strongly believed in cleanliness and often reminded others that, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Sommerose often shared that she had to clean so much growing up that she now jokes she cleans houses for a living.

A Time to Embrace
Brenda’s love for life and others was rooted in her faith. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and faithfully walked in her spiritual journey. She attended Life Harbor Church in Zephyrhills, Florida, until her health declined.

A Time to Cherish Memories
Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Rose Carey, and her dear friend, Wanita Barnes.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her love and devoted husband, Harold M. Taylor, Sr.; her adored daughter, Sommerose Taylor; her precious grandson, Ezra Huskin;  her very special brother Lance T. Goolsby (Mildred); her beloved and very special friends, Brenda and Edward Russel, Marvin Adam’s, Sandy and Sam Allen, Cheryl Champ; and a host of other relatives and friends.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:25–27

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, 1902 W. La Salle St., Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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