John Wesley Taylor Jr., known to children and grandchildren as
"Dada" and "West' to others, was born on March 28, 1928 in Brooksville, MS to
John Wesley Taylor Sr. and Nancy Pearl Walker Taylor. He departed from his
earthly body on September 3, 2021 in Tupelo, MS. West, the second born of seven
children, was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Annie Jane
Newsome Taylor and siblings: Levert (LT) Taylor and Alice Taylor Harris.
West was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School where he played
wide receiver on the Blue Devil football team. He professed a hope in Christ at
an early age and joined the St. Paul United Methodist Church. He was a faithful
servant as a Class Leader, a member of the Board of Trustees, and occasionally
sang with the male choir. He was faithful until his death, being one of the oldest
members of the church. He retired from the MidSouth Packing plant and
enjoyed watching professional sports, listening to Blues music, and sitting on the
front porch. He also loved Buick automobiles (especially the Electra
225), stylish suits with a hat, and watching wrestling. He was a family man and
his wisdom, laughter and big smile were a beacon of light to all.
West married Annie Jane Newsome on June 18, 1952; they were truly devoted to
one another and enjoyed 63 years of marriage until Annie's death in 2015. They
raised their children and grandchildren in a loving household and their home
was often the "gathering place" for family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Jennifer Kay Warren of Tupelo, MS;
Julius Ray Taylor (Searcy) of Gulfport, MS and Eric Taylor of Tupelo, MS; four
grand-children: Latouisha Wilson (Jerome) of Hattiesburg, MS; Monika Hay
(Kelvin) of Hattiesburg, MS; Mariea Anderson (Jacolby) of Southaven, MS and
Julicia (Gigi) Taylor of Camp Springs, MD; seven great-grandchildren: Taylor
and Jordan Wilson; Makayla, Blake and Micah Hay; Jhia and Janelle Anderson;
four siblings: Martha Black of Tupelo, MS; Lillie Taylor of Tupelo, MS;
Elizabeth Hudson of Chicago, IL and Fred Taylor (Donna) of Tupelo, MS; and a
host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.