Stella Hood Taylor

Obituary For Stella Hood Taylor

Mrs. Stella Hood Taylor, of Decatur, passed August 22, 2012.

Homegoing services for Mrs. Stella H. Taylor, of Decatur, will be Friday, August 31, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Central United Methodist Church, 501-7 Mitchell Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30314. Interment will follow at Kennedy Memorial Gardens.

Public viewing will be held Thursday, August 30, 2012 from 12 NOON – 9:00 p.m. at Grissom-Clark Funeral Home, 227 East Lake Dr. (at Memorial Dr.), Atlanta, Georgia 30317, Office: 404-373-3191; Fax: 404-373-0292, www.grissom-clarkfh.com.

Mrs. Stella Hood-Taylor was born January 11, 1952 in Aliceville, Alabama, to the late Ms. Minnie Lee Hood and the late Mr. Earl Cusett. She was loved, nurtured and adored by her surrogate parents, the late Chalmers and Etta Wilder. Stella affectionately referred to Mrs. Wilder as "MA PEARL" who preceded her in death. She was united in holy matrimony on April 5, 1975 to Mr. Charles Taylor. To this union, two children were born, Eric and B'Nieka. She answered the call of her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, August 22, 2012. Stella completed her elementary and high school education in Aliceville, Alabama. Upon high school graduation in 1970, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend her beloved Morris Brown College. At Morris Brown, she graduated with honors in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She later attended Troy State/Atlanta University where she obtained a Master of Public Administration. She also obtained certification in their Executive Program of the JFK School of Government at Harvard University. Stella believed that her calling was to serve others and she constantly sought new opportunities to answer that call through her employment and activities. She started her career with the DeKalb County Department of Human and Community Development and later was employed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the Office of Community Planning and Development until her death. Stella received Christ at an early age at the Franconia CME Church in Aliceville, Alabama. There she developed her love for the Lord, a love that sustained her throughout her life. In Atlanta, she united with Central United Methodist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery where she remained a devoted and faithful servant for more than 30 years. At Central UMC, Stella was actively involved as a member of the Board of Directors and Administrative Board, Choral Ensemble and Mass choir, a visionary of the drama ministry – Central Connection Players, a member of the Staff Parish Relations Committee and numerous other church committees. After graduating from Morris Brown College, Stella was actively involved as an alumnus. She served in the DeKalb Chapter MBC National Alumni Association as Secretary, 1998-2000, Morris Brown College Athletic Foundation and is the immediate Past-President of the MBC National Alumni Association. Stella was an untiring, avid and gifted supporter of Morris Brown College. She was in attendance and was recognized during the 110th Anniversary Alumni Awards Luncheon held on May 12, 2012. Beautiful memories of the life and loves of Stella will be cherished by her husband, Charles Taylor; son, Eric Taylor; daughter, Shonoda (Marcellus) Stafford; five grandchildren, Xavier, Marcellus Jr, Madison, Morgan and Meagan Stafford; one godson, Legend Lewis; one step-granddaughter; two sisters-in-law; six brothers-in-law; two uncles; two aunts; special friends, Paul and Phyllis Lewis, Sonja Hines and Georgia Stepney and a host of other relatives and friends.



Guest Book

Dear Family, I am so thankful to have known Stella. God speaks in gentle whispers on the wind, in warm rays of sunshine, in the beauty of nature and in special people like Stella. My prayers are with you. Sincere sympathy, Harold Smith

- Harold Smith

To the family of Stella; You have our deepest sympathy in the lost of your love one, just remember that the Lord said; "...l'm with you alway, even to the end of the world", (Mt. 28:20). He was also referring to a time as this, He is there to comfort you. District Elder Robert & Mrs. Frankie (Sealey) McKinstry

- Pastor Robert McKinstry

Stella was a faithful member of Central UMC for many years. She always had a quick smile and warm greeting. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy is extended to Charles and Eric. God Bless, Lynn T. Smothers

- Lynn T Smothers

Dear Stella, you will be greatly, greatly missed. Your thoughtful and caring spirit will always remain with me. Your classmate, friend, cheerleading partner and cousin, Dianne

- Deborah Dianne (McKinstry) Toney

Stella we were best friends in high school. My heart is broken. I will miss sending you Christmas cards, May you rest in peace. Love your friend forever Gloria Jearhttp://grissom-clarkfh.com/images/icons/angel.gif

- Gloria Wilkins Douthett

Many hugs and prayers to you and yours. LaVeta

- LaVeta Ware

My prayers are with the family and remembering Stella as she was, a "class act". MBC Class of 1975

- Phillip E,.Walker

Stella was a phenomenal women. She was kind and loving and helped people all around her. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to know and work with Stella. I will miss her tremendously, but know God has other plans for her. Charles and Eric, my heart goes out to you. I pray that the Lord brings you peace. Love, Donna

- Donna Roachford

God bless you, Stella!! You were the epitome of grace & class. May your family's memories sustain them during this time.

- Gloria Thornton

You will be greatly missed cousin. You are now one of God's angels to watch over the family. We love & miss you so much & R.I.P.cousin. From your cousins in Alabama: Charlie, Sallye, Tara, Shaky, Jr., & Rashad

- The DeGraffenreid Family

Charles, Eric and Family, We thank God for giving us our Sister Stella. We thank you all for sharing her with us, and for that we are eternally grateful. Stella will be missed, but it is our prayer that we will see her again on the other side. Love, Peace, and Understanding! Herman, Wilma, Heather, Courtney, and Megan Brightharp

- The Herman Brightharp Family

May God bring peace to each and everyone.

- Fran Johnson

sorry for your loss

- taraclark-brown

Earth has no sorry that hesven cannot heal. Blessed are they that mourned, blessed are they that are comfort. Rest in Peace!

- Carolyn Dozier

A real and mighty strong woman of God that never complained. She will always be remembered for her mentoring abilities and her unselfish acts to so many. Be strong and know that prayers are being sent up for the family at time.

- Claudine Forte

At your time of loss, my prayers, deepest condolences and sympathy are sent to the family of my dear friend and confidant Stella Taylor. During my thirty-year tenure at the City of Atlanta Stella shared a wealth of knowledge and provided genuine inspiration and support to all. May God bless you.

- Evelyn Nu'Man

Will be sadly missed RIP from your best cousins. Margaret, Emille and Reshaun

- The Brooks family