Barbara Taylor

Martin

Mrs. Barbara Jean Taylor Martin, a devoted Christian Woman of God, mother, Deaconess, educator, civil servant, organic gardener and writer was born in Lake City, Florida on December 23, 1943 to the proud parents of Robert Alexander and Marguerite Taylor. She attended the Bethel Baptist Church with her grandparents Joseph and Bessie Gibbs who preceded her in death along with her parents and brother, Kenneth.In 1961 Barbara Jean graduated with honors from Richardson High School and was the first African American student to sit for the Scholastic Aptitude Test in the Columbia County Courthouse. She went on to graduate from the prestigious Hunter College of the City University of New York, majoring in English. She retired from an impressive career for the State f New York where she was progressively promoted to a managerial position in the department of Labor.From her union with Abram Martin, one son was born, Abram R. who resides in Sacramento, California.In 1944 Barbara joined her church family at John 3:16 Christian Center and never left. She dearly loved this ministry and participated as a faithful supporter and prayer warrior. She served as a Deaconess, led the Welcome Team and joined the faculty of the Bible College. Her passion for writing never ceased as she participated in the Wakill Valley Writers Group and published 2 stories in their Anthology 2011. She also published Porch Ladies, a booklet for her grandchildren.She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Abram R., daughter-in-law, Dolita; grandchildren, Shahra, Coriani, Nikhaule, Jordyn and Rhandi, aunt, Dorothy Simpson, many cousins, family and friends.Funeral services will be held Monday, November 25, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. at the Mizell Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Alton Coles officiating. Interment will follow at the Garden of Rest cemetery.Mizell Funeral Home, 365 N.W. Washington Street, Lake City is in charge of all local arrangements. Ph. # (386) 752-3166 E-mail rudolmize@att.net. Please sign guest register at www.mizellfuneralhome.com