Nelson's Memorial Mortuary | Warner Robins, GA

Obituary For Emma Delean Taylor

Emma Delean Smith Taylor, daughter of Ridgeway and Romena Shipman Smith was born in Hinesville, Liberty County, Georgia on May 30, 1953. She became a member of First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Hinesville, at age 9. She was a descendant of Reverend Samuel Hargrove a person who liberated himself from slavery and became part of a founding collective of the church where her father served as Chairman of the Deacon Board for over 50 years and her mother was the church pianist. In Hinesville, she learned the importance of community from her parents, friends and neighbors of Rebecca Street which was named for her maternal grandmother.

She was educated during segregation in Liberty County schools attending Hineshaw Elementary, Liberty County High School and experienced integration her senior year at Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Georgia. She played piano, participated in marching band at Liberty County High School where she played flute and oboe. Upon her high school graduation, she attended Savannah State College now University and majored in Secondary Education/English Literature. There Delean met Walter L. Taylor her future husband. She returned to Hinesville after graduation from Savannah State College and taught at her alma mater Bradwell Institute for two years.

Delean and Walter united in holy matrimony May 28, 1977 and they moved to Perry, Georgia. Delean taught English at Northside Junior (now middle), Perry High School, and taught for 26 years at Warner Robins High School. She retired after 31 years in 2006. A devoted wife and mother, she departed this life Saturday August 7, 2021 and leaves to mourn her passing: her husband, Walter L. Taylor, and her only daughter Deitrah Joye Taylor of Perry, Ga; one sibling of Hinesville, Ga; seven sisters in law throughout the state of Georgia, five brothers in law throughout the southeast, Aunt Edna Mae Miller and her special Aunt Johnnie Mae Miller and many special cousins in Hinesville Georgia among the Lumpkin, Miller and Shipman families. She has many nieces and nephews including Nicky Smith, LaRay Gladney and Shane Smith who were her first babies and became God-siblings to her daughter Deitrah. Many dear friends, classmates, neighbors, colleagues, and former students.

She is predeceased by her parents Ridgeway Smith, Romena Shipman Smith, her elder and only brother James Jerome Smith, two sisters in law and two brothers in law and the ancestors who have welcomed her into her new Heavenly home.

Services

Guest Book

OMG! I was so overwhelmed to just find out about my former school teacher. May the peace that surpasses all understanding continue to be with her husband and daughter.

- na

To The Taylor Family, I was the school counselor at Northside (Middle) Junior High School when Delean was teaching there. She was such a sweet person and it was such a pleasure to know her and work with her. I know what a treasure she must have been to her family. May your special memories continue to comfort you. Mary Walker, Warner Robins, GA.

- na

Dear Deitrah, my heart breaks for you and your dad. Your mom was so special to me! She was my seventh grade English teach, as well as my dear friend and colleague at WRHS! I will always remember her for her talent as a teacher and writer and for her laughter and sense of humor! She told me so many times how special you were to her and how proud she was of you! I join you and your dad in mourning her passing. God bless you both. Laura Poythress

- na

Walter, I met you and Delean at Savannah State.I thank God for allowing us to cross path. He allowed us to borrow Delean and be blessed by her. You will miss her, but "Let not your heart be troubled". God does not make mistakes.You, Deitrah and your family are in my prayers. Yvonne Abner Warren SSU-College by the Sea Tiger Pride-Class of '75

- na

My condolences to the Taylor family Lula Bell King's children King Circle Perry, Georgia

- na

My condolences to the Taylor family

- na

Gone but never forgotten my cousin, i will always miss our chatts and my family history sessions you gave me. you will allways be in my thoughts and prayers that we will see each other on the other side with my dad Joseph Miller

- na

Walter and Detriah you have our deepest sympathy. This loss you will feel a long time as Delean was a powerful presence. Delean said what she meant and meant what she said. She could always be depended upon to speak the truth and that takes courage and conviction; she had a lot of that. She was a fierce mother and wife. We love you and will miss her.

- na

Deitrah and Walter my heart is there with you. Delean was a very special woman. Her eyes and smile and laugh could light up any room. That was her trademark. I remember when she started teaching at Bradwell. She let everyone know she was my cousin and I always felt I had someone to look out for me. Deitrah and Walter she lives through both of you each day. Rest Delean you earned it. Love you always.

- na

Dear Deitrah, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know you and she were very close. Lindsay, Rebekah and I will be holding you close in our prayers. Ms Delvie Berry (formerly Britt).

- na

Deitrah and Mr. Taylor, my thoughts and prayers are forever with you both! I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a beautiful woman as Mrs. Taylor. I was blessed to meet her and in that short time I knew how amazing she was and she had a smile that would light up a room! Deitrah has that same smile. You have my sincerest condolences.

- na

To the Taylor family, I am saddened by the passing of Delean. I send you love and prayers. we became close friends our first year of college. I'll never forget Delean and her distinct laughter....Much Love Barbara

- na

Walter and Deitrah, please accept my deepest condolences. Mrs. Romena and my grandmother, Maggie, were the best of friends. When I would go to Mrs. Romena's, Delean and I would play in the yard along with Marlene. They were 6 years older than me but they would play with "Little Sherrie!" May God bring you continued comfort during the days and weeks ahead. Much Love, Sharon Hopkins Terry. Hinesville, GA.

- na

Rest in GOD's loving arms my childhood friend...You, Marlene and I used to have fun...

- na

Deitrah and Mr. Taylor, I feel your loss from across the miles. Your family is in my thoughts and I mourn the loss of your beautiful wife and mother with you. The bond between Deitrah and her mother is one that I will always remember as extremely special. Please accept my deepest condolences. Zinnia Willits

- na

My condolences to the Taylor family. DELEAN an I were high school friends and college roommate. Family I will say she fought a good fight and I truly believe she is at peace. I will keep in touch.

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Nelson's Memorial Mortuary | Warner Robins, GA