John Andrew Taylor

John A. Taylor was born January 20, 1954 in New Albany, Mississippi to the late Connie Taylor and Callie Harris Taylor. He was loved by many and affectionately called BJ. 

BJ gave his life to the Lord as he was a member of Progressive Baptist Church in Elgin, Illinois where he was baptized under the leadership of the Late Pastor Willie Tate. He too married the love of his life Gwendolyn L.White at Progressive Baptist Church.

BJ and Gwendolyn shared 43 years together and created a family and lifetime of memories. Through this union came Moniece and then a daughter Sherita Nicole Taylor was born. The family resided in Elgin, Illinois up until they relocated to Schaumburg, Illinois in the early 90’s.

BJ was employed at Quest Diagnostics for over 10 years up until he relocated to Covington, Georgia. BJ then worked at General Mills up until he approached retirement age. During his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, playing dominos, karaoke, shooting pool with friends and planting his annual garden. BJ was a jack of all trades as he enjoyed Home Improvement and continued working as he created a painting service BJ’s choice of Color.

As retirement means to slow down, BJ sped up as he serviced many homes in the Covington area.

After a while BJ’s health became compromised. BJ then chose to embrace retirement and took time to smell the roses and create sweet memories. He especially wanted to give his Sugaboo a lifetime of memories to forever carry in her heart. Oxygen and all BJ set out on various adventures as he could be seen cruising to Montego Bay, Negril Jamaica, and Costa Rica. BJ enjoyed various islands of Hawaii as he could be seen parasailing through the skies in Oahu, Hawaii, taking submarine tours on the island of Maui, Hawaii, watching erupting volcanoes on the Big Island and horseback riding through the deserts of Aruba. As his sun as set here on earth BJ understood the assignment as he lived a full life and died empty, meaning he completed his mission and emptied his tank of all he wanted to give to the world.

BJ peacefully passed away at home on Sunday August 18, 2024. As he made his transition home to our heavenly father, he was greeted by: His parents, Connie and Callie Taylor; his brother, Robert Taylor; his sister, Obine Blackwell; and his daughter, Natarsha Washington.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife, Gwendolyn Taylor; two daughters, Sherita and Moniece (Earl); two sons, Tushun and Johnelle; 14 grandchildren; three sisters, Lowonda Wade (Jay), Pearlie Hampton (Jerry) and Emma Taylor; mother-in-law, Maxine White; six sisters-in-law, six brothers-in-law and a host of other relatives and friends that he loved dearly.