Hervey Taylor Obituary

A Christian Journey of Faith, Hope, and Charity There are times when God uses a vessel, or an example to prove to the carnal world that His Saints can excel and accomplish goals and achievements in the secular world; just like those accomplished by the unsaved. Such is the case of Bro. Hervey Alene Taylor Jr., the fifth child and only boy born to Hervey Alene Taylor Sr. and Janie Louise Crittendon Taylor. While his parents loved ALL their daughters, Hervey's birth on November 18, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, made him the "apple" of his father's eye! His arrival brought "hope" that the unique name - "Hervey Alene Taylor" - would potentially form a namesake legacy chain. And Senior was right! His name transcended four generations. Both parents and six siblings preceded him in death: Yvonne (Bonnie) Taylor; Janet Deantignac-Bey; Marie Lowrance; Dr. Mavis Taylor-Hayes; Jeanne Whitted-O'Gara; and Vivianne Hopkins. Surviving are his two youngest sisters – Gloria Threasa Wright and Dr. Phyllis Eleanor Robinson. Hervey began his formal religious and spiritual training at the tender age of twelve. In December, 1947, he was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost. As a servant leader, he faithfully followed in his parents' footsteps. He humbled himself and did a broad range of unglamourous, behind the scene jobs, while honing his skills to become an elected and appointed leader. During his long association with three different churches, he labored as a janitor, dishwasher, waiter, church van driver, and usher. Later, he became president of the Children's Church, Publications editor, Brotherhood secretary/vice president, assistant Sunday School superintendent, advisory board member, and later, he even became a church administrator. Educationally, Hervey held his own despite being born into and being compared to a competitive, academic group of valedictorian and salutatorian siblings. Despite struggling to keep up with his brilliant sisters, Hervey graduated in the upper 10 percent of his senior class. He stepped out on faith and pursued his postsecondary education, earning a community college associate degree, a university Bachelor of Science degree, and a master's degree in criminal justice and Sociology. Armed with a strong work ethic, faith, determination, and a charitable outlook, Hervey was committed to bettering his community. His academic preparation resulted in his being hired into Executive Positions with R.J. Reynolds/Nabisco, and the Wadsworth Atheneum. He also served as an adjunct instructor at several Michigan Colleges and shared his expertise on the Advisory Boards of Tunxis Community College and the University of New Haven, at West Haven. In December 1954, Hervey married his high school sweetheart, Flint native Sylvia Windom, an accomplished pianist and singer. They were married for more than 30 years until she went home to glory. Sylvia had a unique, contagious, and charismatic personality that drew others into her circle. Four children were born to this union: Aileen, Hervey III, LaVonne, and Sylvia Delrine. In 1955, Hervey left Detroit and relocated 60 miles north, to Flint, Michigan. That was where he began various career ventures with General Motors (GM) Corporation, the U.S. Post Office, and the Flint Police Department. For a short time, he held all three jobs at the same time. Hervey was elevated to several local supervisory jobs before being promoted, in 1973, to GM's Corporate Headquarters in mid-town Detroit. At the time, he was one of only 25 entry level and/or middle range black executives at GM Headquarters. He was specially trained and groomed for the position, and his primary responsibility was to visit and critique more than 250 GM facilities throughout the world. His expertise targeted areas of Risk Management, Auditing, Security, Fire & Safety, and general Protection Procedures. Soon after accepting the new position, Hervey noticed that not only was he the sole African American on the staff of five, but he was the only individual NOT classified as a "Director" at the Bonus Level. For three years he fought and lobbied to upgrade his classification. When it was finally approved, he was so sure that the position was his - he immediately telephoned his wife with what he thought was "good news". However, racism and politics prevailed, and the Directorship was given to a less qualified white individual who was not even on his staff. Hervey was devastated, but he prayed and asked the Lord what his options were, and he needed a "clear sign." The Lord spoke in a clear voice: "It's not your battle to win; It's Mine! I have a new Job for you!" In less than a week, Hervey was offered a new job at Farmington, Connecticut's Corporate Headquarters of Heublein, Incorporated. He was blessed with his own staff, a higher salary, a bonus, stock options, and fewer responsibilities. On November 29, 1976. following his former Pastor's recommendation (Dist. Eld. B.T. Scott), he attended Dist. Eld. John Shaw's church in New Britain, CT. The next Sunday he attended Christ Church of Deliverance, where he was warmly greeted by Eld. James and Sister Mary Pearson, Assistant Pastor and Secretary. In 1977, Bro. Taylor was appointed by Elder Clancy to become the Church Administrator, and he successfully managed the stress of merging three different churches. Hervey was blessed to find love and marry again on June 21, 1986, to the Sis. Carolyn Locke, a widow who worked at General Motors. He also inherited two new bonus children: Leslie and Larry. In 1988 their son David was born and Brother Hervey embraced nurturing his second set of younger children – even coaching David's Little League baseball team and supporting various extra-curricular activities, games, and sports. Hervey loved "parenting" so much that he spent five years as a foster parent to five children, ages 3-8, that included a set of twins. Bro. Taylor felt extraordinarily blessed, humbled, and highly favored by his special career accomplishments and achievements in law enforcement, safety, security and corrections, human resources, and labor relations. He was privileged to travel throughout the United States and several foreign countries where he met many pioneer bishops, missionaries, and saints - especially Bishop Grimes, and his adopted daughter Dr. Ellen Moore-Hopkins. Hervey was able to assist her with her Liberian Aid Crusade in West Africa. In 1961 – As a Flint police officer, Hervey was selected to serve on the police detail to greet President John F. Kennedy, and Air Force One, when the President visited the Michigan School for the Deaf. Hervey was also involved in planning and preparations for visits to Hartford, CT, by First Lady Barbara Bush and Vice President Al Gore. In 1983 – Hervey assisted in planning and negotiating a covenant between the Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition and Corporate Kentucky Fried Chicken, to employ and train minority youths. At the time, KFC was owned by Heublein, Incorporated. Hervey Alene Taylor Jr. was always thankful and grateful to the Lord for his many blessings bestowed upon him. He appreciated being born into the loving Taylor family in the small town of Inkster, Michigan, with doting parents and eight sisters who adored him. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. Five of his seven children are college graduates, and the youngest has attended community college. Evangelist Aileen Taylor Spence is an Ordained Minister and Prison Counselor. Dr. Hervey Alene Taylor III is a college professor and former school principal; La Vonne Taylor Henderson is a Registered Nurse (retired) and Health Consultant; Sylvia Delrine Taylor Jackson, is a public-school teacher (retired) and education assistant; Leslie Locke Richardson is the Sales Director for a FinTech/InsurTech Company; Larry Locke is a Supply Chain Manager for Stamford Hospital; and David Taylor is a Chef and retail salesman. Brother Hervey leaves to celebrate his memory: An unwavering, steadfast, and devoted wife, Carolyn. Children: Aileen Taylor Spence (LeRoy); Dr. Hervey Alene Taylor III (Inez); La Vonne Taylor Henderson (Bob); Sylvia Delrine Jackson (James); David Taylor; Leslie Locke Richardson (Todd); Larry Locke (Mary Kate); Grandchildren: Atira Rochester (Kenny); Adriel Martin; Ashlee Gamutan (Ben); Aiyana Henderson; Asia Henderson; Hervey Alene Taylor IV; Christopher Taylor; Taisha Peterkin (Andre); Jenelle Taylor; Autumn Jackson; Taylor Jackson; Mitchell Jackson (Vasilika); James S. Jackson; Malachi Locke; Blake Locke; and Grant Locke. Two Sisters: Gloria T. Wright (Inkster, MI); and Dr. Phyllis E. Robinson (Detroit, MI); One Brother-in-Law, Virgil E. Windom Jr. (Los Angeles, CA); three sisters-in-law, Annie Hicks (Willard), Lily P. Hayes and Mary White; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and Church families in Connecticut and Michigan. Brother Taylor left these impactful words of wisdom and advice to young people and others who wish to prosper: Put the Lord first; and Education, Jobs, Marriage, Health & Wealth will be provided - if it is in the Lord's plan."