Daphne Louise Taylor

Obituary For Daphne Louise Taylor

With heavy hearts, we gather to celebrate the life of Daphne Louise Taylor, a cherished mother, sister, and friend, who departed this world on April 1, 2025. Born on June 11, 1957, to the union of Samuel Overton Sr. & Mattie Myles-Overton, in the quaint town of Central, South Carolina, Daphne's journey led her to Youngstown, Ohio, where she nurtured her family and built a legacy of love and resilience.

Daphne attended The Rayen School was a proud veteran of the United States Marines, enlisting in November 1979 and rising to the rank of Lance Corporal before her honorable discharge in July 1981.

She carried the values of courage and commitment throughout her life, including her unwavering loyalty to the Miami Dolphins. An avid reader, Daphne found solace in the worlds created by Stephen King, and she often dreamt of gracing the bright lights of Jeopardy! as a contestant.

Daphne was a vibrant chef whose culinary prowess could brighten any gathering. Working in the culinary services at Mercy Healthcare, she poured love into every dish, mastering the art of lasagna, ribs, burgers, and her famously delightful, deviled eggs. Her dream was to take her talents beyond the kitchen, as she aspired to create her own cooking show, "Switching in the Kitchen with Daphne Taylor." Bright and spirited, she was the type of person whose laughter could fill a room, donning her collection of chef hats and aprons with pride, a true symbol of her passion.

Daphne cherished meaningful moments, always bringing good energy that made everyone smile. A people’s persons, her signature salutation was always “AHEY-HEY-HEY” which became her favorite tagline upon greeting others. Her infectious laughter, comic timing brought light and laughter to any event or gathering she attended.

Daphne embraced family with an open heart, loving fiercely her children—LaShana Myles, Albert James Taylor Myles III, Sierra Whitney, Jolice Whitney, Jasmine Whitney, and Justine Whitney. Her brothers, Samuel (Mittie) Overton Jr., Mark Overton, Timothy (Carolyn) Overton Sr., Kenneth, (Sandra) Overton and Chris Overton, all holding a special place in her heart, along with her devoted companion Daniel Floyd. She also leaves precious memories and moments with her bonus sisters Maudessia Patterson, and Diane Armour.

Diane also cherished her eighteen grandchildren, aunts Eloise Myles, who reared her and Shirley (Rev. George) Wilkins along with a score of family members including nieces, nephews and cousins.

As Daphne answered the call to cross into eternity, she was reunited and invited to the ancestral table which included her parents, Mattie Overton, Samuel Overton, sister Armenta Colyar, and grandchildren DeLove Whitney and Damon L. Irby Jr.

In the embrace of family, friends, and memories, we bid farewell to a bright spirit who now dances among the stars. Daphne Louise Taylor will forever be missed, cherished, and remembered for the love she poured into every dish and every laugh.

As we remember Daphne, we invite you to join us to celebrate her life and the joy she brought to so many. A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM with military honors where Pastor George Wilkins will officiate.

The family will honor her legacy with a private committal ceremony before her interment within the sacred grounds of the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 14300 Decourcey, Rittman, OH, at a later date.

As we say our farewells, let us carry forward Daphne's legacy of love and her remarkable spirit, forever alive in our memories and hearts. May she rest in peace, knowing she was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Daphne Louise Taylor honored her expressed wishes and entrusted the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.