Essie Towns

Taylor

Essie Towns Taylor was born on January 31 ^st , 1923 to the late Ran and Eldora Towns of Hardy, MS in Grenada County.

She was united in marriage on January 12 ^th , 1939 to the late Elijah Taylor Sr, who preceded her in death.   Of this union, 16 children were born.

She was a member of Taylor Chapel CME Church, and later joined St. Paul CME Church in Charleston, MS where she served until her health failed.

"Mama Tet", as she was affectionately called, witnessed 6 generations as the matriarch of the family following the death of her husband in 1997.

"Mama Tet" enjoyed pending time with family, cooking, listening to gospel music, and providing advice to others.  Her favorite songs were "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" and "Still Here" by The Williams Brothers.  One of her favorite scriptures was: 1 Corinthians 1:8-9, "He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns."

She leaves to mourn 10 children: Ora Eggleston of Charleston, MS, Lenora McInnis of Ridgeland, MS, Bessie (Frederick) Bellamy of Charleston, MS, Maggie Taylor of Madison, MS, Delose Taylor of Jackson, MS, Mary (Goeffrey) of Ridgeland, MS, Berline (Willie Bell) of Charleston, MS, Varnest Taylor of Charleston, MS, Floyd Taylor of Memphis, TN, Gloria Taylor of Madison, MS, and one God daughter, Hazel Jordon of Bolton, MS.   Six children, Lee, Larry, Roger, Elijah, Ann, and Earnest preceded her in death.  She was the sole survivor of 12 siblings, who preceded her in death.   She also leaves to cherish her memory 29 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great grandchildren, 2 great-great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.