Sis. Ethel Lee Allen Taylor was born on March 29, 1953, in Anson County, NC. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Woodrow W. Allen and Mrs. Jessie Lee Lomax Allen. Sis. Taylor departed this life on Sunday morning, shortly after arriving at church for the morning service.

Known for her vibrant personality and beautiful singing, Sis. Taylor used her talents to serve the Lord, uplift and inspire those around her. She will be lovingly remembered by her family and many who were touched by her life.

Sis. Taylor was educated in the Anson County public school system.

In 1967, she was united in marriage to Rev. Donnell Taylor, and to that union, three wonderful children were born, whom she cherished and spoiled immensely.

Her beautiful voice and love for singing was a significant part of her life. Her children recall that she was once a member of a gospel group called the Diamond Jubilees. One of her singing career highlights was auditioning for the Movie “The Color Purple,” where she secured a role. Although her part was cut during editing, she cherished the experience and was proud to receive royalties. She proudly shared a photograph of her with the cast members. She once remarked to a church member that her greatest gift was to sing for the Lord. Sis. Taylor was grateful that God led her to the church instead of taking her life in a different direction.

Sis. Taylor loved cooking and baking, and her grandson remembers that she also loved eating out. She was dedicated to her church, The Church in the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostles’ Doctrine, Inc. She was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost; she sang joyfully in the choir, giving her heart in every note. She also contributed to the Chesterfield Branch Church by sharing her culinary skills.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Woodrow and Jessie Lee Allen; two brothers, Henry Lee Patrick and Louis Capel; two sisters, Louise Capel Willoughby and Linda Chisolm; nephew, Dejaun Willoughby and family friend, Lawrence L. Smith.

Sis. Taylor leaves behind to cherish her memories: her daughter, Jessica Donyell Taylor and grandson, “Jaylen” Woodrow Allen Taylor, both of the home; her son, Corey Donnell (Vanessa) of Dallas, Texas; and daughter, Tammie Terrell Taylor of Wadesboro, NC along with grandchildren, Evelyn LaQuisha, Darius, Jasmine Aaliyah Rose and Braydon Taylor; Raymond Parga and Damon Caldera. Her great-grandchildren, Dasia Brianna Taylor and Ethyn Pierce. A brother, Freddie Lee Allen of Detroit, Michigan. She also leaves a host of cousins, other relatives and friends, including a loving and large church family who will continue to celebrate her remarkable life.

The Services to Honor the Life and Legacy of Sister Taylor will be on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 12:00pm at Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment will follow at Anson Memorial Park, Wadesboro, North Carolina.