Obituary of Viola E. Taylor

Viola Estella (Phillips) Taylor, 87 yrs. old, was born on Thursday, December 13, 1934, in Hertford, North Carolina, to the late parents Mary (Phillips) Harris and Edward Harris. On Saturday, December 18, 2021, in Pine Hill, New Jersey, Viola was called home peacefully to be with God, after fighting a long battle of Alzheimer’s Disease. Viola was preceded in death by her husband Frank A. Taylor and son Steven C. Taylor, and special sister-friend Annie Cooke. Viola began her spiritual journey at a young age, raised in the Church, loving God, and was baptized in a river of Hertford, North Carolina. Viola’s steadfast loyalty to God and her Church, lead her to being a dedicated servant of the Usher Ministry for over 40yrs. between Green Grove Baptist Church, Berlin N.J. and Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church in Sicklerville, N.J. Viola enjoyed attending worship each Sunday with close friends, until in her later years her illness took over and she was unable to serve. Viola was educated at the Perquimans County Training Schools in Winfall, North Carolina. After graduating in the class of 1953, Viola voyaged to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania uniting with her family. A few years later Viola decided to pursue her passion and talent to become a licensed cosmetologist, graduating from Cartier School of Cosmetology in 1960. Viola met a classmate Alice Ware, who became and remained a “Best Friend” until the end. Throughout the years, they laughed, talked every day, and supported each other, setting an example of true friendship for over 60yrs. Viola was a hard worker, and in addition to her career as a cosmologist, she worked as a waitress at the Philadelphia US Naval Base Officer’s Club. Viola's life just got better. She met the love of her life, Frank Taylor, by accidently dropping a tray of food upon him. Frank being the gentleman that he was, insisted on helping Viola with the mishap, and it became true love thereafter. Viola and Frank were joined together in Holy matrimony, January 12, 1963, in Wenonah, New Jersey. Through this union, Viola and Frank became the proud parents of James, Steven, Brian, and Lisa. The happy military couple and children were actively traveling to various countries, while serving and honoring the USA, until Frank’s sudden death July 4, 1971, in Exmouth Australia. Viola mourned for many years after, and not settling for no one else except “Frank.” Viola, a single widowed mother immediately journeyed back to the USA, in Pine Hill New Jersey, where she comforted, nurtured, and successfully raised her fatherless children with dignity and love. Viola was a dedicated mom keeping her children busy. Viola was active in her community and became a member of the Pine Hill Local VFW Post, a Cub Scout and Boy Scout of America den mother, and she was a field mother for multiple Pine Hill children's little league sports. She met many friends along the way, including another sister-life-time friend Naomi. Viola soon met a wonderful neighbor Audrey, and the two widowed moms stayed active together and entered back in the workforce with employment at Clover, a Strawbridge and Clothier Company. Viola received multiple awards and promotions for her excellence. Viola was sometimes affectionately called “Lady Vi or Vi” by family and friends and was identified for her sophistication along and elegance. Viola possessed one of the most beautiful and friendly smiles that would light up any room, with a personality that matched. Viola had an eye for fashion and style, always making sure that she appeared her best and would help encourage others to become their best, stemming from childhood to her cosmetology years, and continued throughout her later years. Viola always really enjoyed spending time with family and friends keeping strong bonds. Nonetheless, if you had the opportunity to sit and chew in Vi's kitchen, you would always stay craving for a slice of her delicious Southern sweet potato pie or homemade cakes. Viola had a fond attachment to all music. Music was life and outlet in which always kept her dancing and singing bringing a positive energy to all. Trying to keep her off the dance floor was almost impossible. Viola was the Matriarch (eldest living) of the Phillips family leaving to cherish her memories and carry on her legacy: two sons, Brian Taylor Sr. and James Taylor, a daughter Lisa Jones, son-in-law Vann Jones, two grandsons, Xavier Taylor and Brian Taylor, Jr., a granddaughter Taylor Jones, two great-grandsons, Davion and Xander, a great-granddaughter Nylah, two sisters Brenda Cotton and Yvonne Clark, two brothers-in-law Larry Clark, and Derrick Cotton, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Family