Obituary for Taylor James Jones Jr.
Taylor James Jones Jr., 95, of Battle Creek, MI, went to be with the Lord on March 23, 2022 while a patient at Bronson Battle Creek.
Taylor was born on February 13, 1927 in Memphis, TN to Taylor James Jones Sr. and Emma (Banks) Jones. He was the last of his siblings, he had three sisters and three brothers who all preceded him in death.
Taylor graduated from high school in Memphis, TN. Soon after graduating he enlisted in the United States Army. Serving in World War II attaining the rank of PFC. During his time in the service he traveled to several different countries. Taylor ended his tour of duty with an honorable discharge.
Taylor decided to make Battle Creek his home. Upon coming to Battle Creek, Taylor started working right away. He was employed by two of the hotels downtown, Williams House and Post Tavern. He was offered many employment opportunities which included working for the City of Springfield where he retired.
In his retirement years, Taylor delivered medications for Larmour's Drug Store in Urbandale. Taylor was a longtime member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Battle Creek, where he served under the leadership of several Pastors, including the now Rev. Timothy Troxler. Taylor loved the Lord and his church family. He also loved to sing. He was the past president of the Male Chorus and sang with them for many many years. He also served as a Trustee and Deacon.
Taylor was an active man, involved in local city, county and state affairs. During election times, Taylor would work the polls. He was also a member of A Phillip Randolph Comm. He felt it was most important for the people to get out and vote. He was a former President of the NAACP of Battle Creek, served on the Michigan Planning and Housing Commission and attended several Democratic State and National Conventions. He was also a member of the B.J. Bryant Elks Lodge #1311 in Battle Creek, MI.
Taylor and his wife Marie, who passed away in 2010 operated numerous foster homes throughout the city. They took in close to 100 or more teenagers throughout the years. In addition to being foster parents, they raised three of their grandchildren as well, Rochelle, Willie Jr., and Ambrose.
Taylor enjoyed bowling, watching TV, Westerns or Cowboy shows as he would call them. But his all time favorite was watching wrestling on Monday nights.
Taylor had two step sons that preceded him in death, Willie Sr., and Terry, along with two grandsons, Ambrose and Marcus.
Left to cherish his memory special daughter, Deanna Tate; stepson, Billy C. Tate Sr. (Rosemary) of Dallas, TX, Glen Tate (Shannon) of Battle Creek, MI; stepdaughter, Diane Payton of Battle Creek; 18 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, dear dear friend, Mrs. Clarice Harris of Romulus, MI and last but not least Ms. Jackie Caldwell, his loving care-giver.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm with the funeral service immediately following at 12:00 pm with Rev. Timothy Troxler officiating.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com
Taylor was born on February 13, 1927 in Memphis, TN to Taylor James Jones Sr. and Emma (Banks) Jones. He was the last of his siblings, he had three sisters and three brothers who all preceded him in death.
Taylor graduated from high school in Memphis, TN. Soon after graduating he enlisted in the United States Army. Serving in World War II attaining the rank of PFC. During his time in the service he traveled to several different countries. Taylor ended his tour of duty with an honorable discharge.
Taylor decided to make Battle Creek his home. Upon coming to Battle Creek, Taylor started working right away. He was employed by two of the hotels downtown, Williams House and Post Tavern. He was offered many employment opportunities which included working for the City of Springfield where he retired.
In his retirement years, Taylor delivered medications for Larmour's Drug Store in Urbandale. Taylor was a longtime member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Battle Creek, where he served under the leadership of several Pastors, including the now Rev. Timothy Troxler. Taylor loved the Lord and his church family. He also loved to sing. He was the past president of the Male Chorus and sang with them for many many years. He also served as a Trustee and Deacon.
Taylor was an active man, involved in local city, county and state affairs. During election times, Taylor would work the polls. He was also a member of A Phillip Randolph Comm. He felt it was most important for the people to get out and vote. He was a former President of the NAACP of Battle Creek, served on the Michigan Planning and Housing Commission and attended several Democratic State and National Conventions. He was also a member of the B.J. Bryant Elks Lodge #1311 in Battle Creek, MI.
Taylor and his wife Marie, who passed away in 2010 operated numerous foster homes throughout the city. They took in close to 100 or more teenagers throughout the years. In addition to being foster parents, they raised three of their grandchildren as well, Rochelle, Willie Jr., and Ambrose.
Taylor enjoyed bowling, watching TV, Westerns or Cowboy shows as he would call them. But his all time favorite was watching wrestling on Monday nights.
Taylor had two step sons that preceded him in death, Willie Sr., and Terry, along with two grandsons, Ambrose and Marcus.
Left to cherish his memory special daughter, Deanna Tate; stepson, Billy C. Tate Sr. (Rosemary) of Dallas, TX, Glen Tate (Shannon) of Battle Creek, MI; stepdaughter, Diane Payton of Battle Creek; 18 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, dear dear friend, Mrs. Clarice Harris of Romulus, MI and last but not least Ms. Jackie Caldwell, his loving care-giver.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm with the funeral service immediately following at 12:00 pm with Rev. Timothy Troxler officiating.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com