Hazelene Roach Taylor (1922-2011) departed this life in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday, January 25, 2011. She was the oldest daughter of Howard Roach and Pearl Caldwell Roach, and the grandchild of ex-slave Robert Caldwell and Mary Ramseur Caldwell, co-founders of Nazareth Baptist Church where Hazelene first worshipped as a child.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, she spent several years in Newark, New Jersey, between the 1950s-1960s before returning to her hometown. In Charlotte, she became a member of Chappell Memorial Baptist Church and served as a faithful member until her eldest son, Arnold, and his wife, JoAnn, invited her to live in their Miami home where they took pleasure in creating a comfortable life for her.
Hazelene, the wife of the late Robert Taylor, was the mother of seven children, among whom were: a loving son who worked in maintenance for the public school system in Miami; a daughter who taught English at Hudson County Community College; a daughter who became a loving wife and mother, after a short college stint and four sons who made successful transitions into new careers after military service.
Educated in the public schools of Mecklenburg County, she was a smart, personable spirit with a cheerful countenance, always serving as peacemaker and friend to many, and always willing to help despite her debilitating illness of sickle cell anemia. Hazelene lived a simple life as wife and attentive homemaker, sister-mother of her younger siblings, and talented cook who made many delectable dishes for the Lowes of Myers Park. She took great pride in her offspring, diligently tutoring and encouraging them to excel in their studies, and she was an uncommon ‘common sense sage’ who knew a lot about ethics, life, home remedies for countless ailments, and counseling young folks – whether they wanted to be advised or not.
Four of her children, Rosetta Taylor Tinsley, Madeline Taylor Coxe, Wayne Taylor and Randy Taylor preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn: three sons, Arnold Lee Taylor, Alford Taylor and Albert Taylor; 13 grandchildren including Arnold Taylor, Jr., Katherine Coretta Guy, Tina Theresa Rivers, Zina Bonnie Dumas, Charlise Coxe, Steven Taylor, Josh Taylor and Tommyzee Tinsley; 15 great grandchildren; and sisters Wilma Young, Ruth Sanchez, Ruby Satterwhite, and Hildred Roach-Stafford; and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral Service is Saturday, February 5, 2011, 11 a.m., visitation, 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Chappell Memorial Baptist Church.
Interment, Beatties Ford Memorial Gardens.
Long & Son Mortuary Service is serving the family.
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