Chester Lee Taylor

Obituary For Chester Lee Taylor

Chester Lee Taylor was born in Eads, TN, on April 19, 1945, to the late Wilbert Murphy and Maurine Taylor Brooks. He departed this earth on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

He professed his life to Christ at an early age at Keel Avenue Baptist Church under the Leadership of the late Rev. J.F. Collins. Chester later joined Mississippi Blvd Christian Church under the leadership of Rev. Alvin O’Neal Jackson where he faithfully served as a strong baritone singer in the sanctuary choir, the male chorus, and the choir librarian for many, many years.

Chester was deeply loved and adored by everyone who knew him. He absolutely cherished the Lord, his family, his music, his clothes (he was a sharp dresser with a mean swag), and his extended circle of work colleagues and close friends. His warm personality, beautiful smile, and unwavering kindness left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. Chester's passion for life was evident in everything he did, from his devotion to his loved ones to his enthusiasm for music and fashion. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, and bring joy to those around him.
He attended Manassas High School, graduating class of 1964, where he developed his gift for music, the arts, and singing. Following high school, he moved to Detroit Michigan. Shortly after moving to Detroit, Chester was drafted into the Military where he fought in the Vietnam War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart medals of Honor.
Following his return from Vietnam, Chester found love and married his wife of 56 years, Ola Mae Bennett. To this union a beautiful daughter was born, Charmyn Renee Taylor.
He was employed at General Motors (Detroit), Army Depot (Memphis), and Carrier Air Conditioning of Collierville from which he retired. Additionally, he established the Taylor Lawn Service which he successfully operated for more than 40+ years.

Chester loved God’s word. He loved God’s people, and they loved him in return. Chester always focused on the good, finding joy in small wonders like planting flowers in the flower bed with his wife Ola. He always looked for what was ‘right’ with a person rather than what was wrong. He was warmth and kindness personified, simply radiating God’s light and love in a palpable way felt by all he encountered.

Chester leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Ola, daughter Charmyn Taylor, son Cedric Hart: Brothers, Willie Brooks Jr (Dianne) and Ronald Brooks (Mary): Sisters Jerlean Journigan, Elaine Northcross and Linda Brooks (Michael Wilson), Grandson – Joshua Ivy, 3 great grandchildren, Sister –in laws Verline Carruthers (Cleveland), and Helen Bennett, Aunt Sametta Bland, Uncles L.B. Brooks and Leonard Brooks, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 25th, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Homes 3651 Austin Peay Hwy in Memphis, TN. Services of celebration will be on Saturday, September 26th, 2026 at 11:00 am at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, 70 N Bellevue. Interment will take place Wednesday September 30, 2026 at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd.

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