Florence Taylor, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt and friend to all whose lives she touched, transitioned on July 9, 2020 at the age of 92.

Florence was born the second of eight children to Otis Keys and Ora Lee (Jackson) Keys on August 25, 1927 in Greenwood, MS (According to Florence, the 29^th is probably the date that the midwife filed the paperwork). Florence spoke fondly of her early education at Avenue F Elementary and Stone Street High school in Greenwood, MS. Despite segregation, she honored her teachers as the best and brightest in there subject and afforded herself every opportunity to excel and compete academically. While in high school, she participated in summer programs at Alcorn University in Lorman, MS.

Florence was a woman of faith and attend Percy Street Christian Church-Disciple of Christ in Greenwood, MS, Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, NY, Lincoln Avenue and Second Christian Churches of Youngstown, OH. After moving to Shaker Heights, OH, she joined Olivet Institutional Baptist Church on her Christian experience.

Both of her parents transitioned before she was an adult. She credited her older brother Charlie Henry and a whole village of uncles and aunts for stepping in for her parents to continue raising her and her siblings. Thus, Florence lived in many states during this time but ultimately settled in New York’s Harlem neighborhood of the Manhattan borough thanks to the generosity of her Uncle Jordan (Mattie) Jackson. Florence was involved in New York politics during the 1950s which included several democratic organizations, monitoring voting locations and running for a commissioner seat. While living in New York she began taking classes at a local college. She attended classes at Youngstown State University as well. Although it would be over thirty years before she completed a degree, she continued to engage in learning and training throughout those years.

On November 7, 1959 she married Lawrence Taylor Jr., a handsome young accounting student at Youngstown State University. Lawrence proceeded her in death. Prior to his death, the two were married 39 years.

Florence was a renaissance woman. Whether it was cooking, sewing, carpentry, gardening, electronics, researching, writing, educating, you name it, she did it and did it well. For example, she walked into an exclusive wedding boutique in New York, picked out a dress, examined how the dress was constructed and the placement of its ornamental designs. She proceeded to the fabric district, purchased the fabric and notions, and reconstructed the dress.

Florence worked in the Technical Services Department at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County aka “Wick Library” for over 30 years where she earned the reputation as the “walking encyclopedia”. “Ask Mrs. Taylor”. Outside of God and family, public libraries and museums played an important role in her ability to access, advance and share knowledge throughout the family, neighborhood, religious institutions, civic organizations as well as herself. Books were as important as furniture in the Taylor household. In her retirement letter to the library she wrote, “There will always be a warm feeling in my heart for the Library and my associates here, and great satisfaction in the work we have accomplished together”. After retiring, Florence joined the Elizabeth Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Stars where she was Past President of Matron and Patron Council. Other offices she held included: Past Worthy Matron/ Silver Star Chapter #4 OES, Past Royal Matron-Minerva Court #5 Order of Amaranth, Past Most Ancient Matron-Elizabeth Court #1. Heroines of Jericho, Past Worthy Chief Counsellor. Elector Council #24 Ladies of Knights, Past Most Worth Grand Matron-Ruth Court # 23 Daughters of Sphinx, Past Most Excellent Rose and Rollins Memorial College #24 Rose of Seven Seals. Florence remained active until she became ill but remained accessible for advice and information.

She is survived by daughters Tricia Taylor of Westerville, OH and Janice (Kevin) Taylor Heard of Shaker Heights, OH. She is also survived by sister Percia Keys of Saint Louis, MO, Charles (Mary) Keys of Saint Louis, MO, Mozella (Archie) Leonard, and Arthur (Gene) Keys; her beloved grandchildren Adrian Weston of Canal Winchester, OH, Daniel and Jordan Heard both of Shaker Heights, OH; great grandchildren Daisiah Weston of Lancaster, OH, Joshua and Jeremiah, Weston of Canal Winchester, OH as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great (nieces and nephews) and in-laws who she loved and cherished deeply.

Florence was predeceased in death by brothers Charlie (Nancy) Henry Keys of Saint Louis, MO, Otis (Ann) Keys of Saint Louis, MO, William (Suzy) Keys of Long Island, New York, sister Johnnie Bernice Keys-Dean of Chicago, IL and precious grandson, Ian David Taylor.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may be made to:

Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County,

c/o Deborah Liptak, Development

PLYMC

305 Wick Avenue

Youngstown, OH 44503

On Memo Line:   Florence Taylor Memorial Fund

The fund will support the library’s efforts to increase diversity among Librarians.