Beverly June Adams Taylor, 78, of Morgantown, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at her residence.
Beverly was the third child born to Caldwell and Louise Biggers Adams, of Lake Charles, La. She was preceded in death by her parents and older sisters, Irma Jean Adams Johnson and Dorothy Robinson. Beverly was a graduate of W.O. Boston High School in Lake Charles, La., received a baccalaureate degree from Southern University, Baton Rouge, La., a master’s from Tuskegee University (nee Institute) and a master’s from West Virginia University.
Growing up in Bayou Country in the 1950s and 1960s, Beverly’s mom taught her to be ever vigilant in defending her rights as a human being. Thus, Beverly was already socially and civically aware as the Civil Rights Movement began. While studying for a master’s at Tuskegee University, she became part of a group of students who drove from Tuskegee, Ala., to Montgomery, Ala., to join with others in what became known two weeks later as the Selma to Montgomery March for voting rights, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On the day of “the March,” Beverly inadvertently became a celebrity as her picture, along with her fellow graduate student cohort and prominent activists, James Forman and Joan Baez, appeared in the May 1965 issue of Ebony magazine.
In the late 1960s after moving to Washington, D.C. with her husband, George D. Taylor and infant daughter Gail Denise, Beverly became a school counselor at the John Adams Middle School and continued her academic studies at George Washington University. Perhaps it was this early sinew that developed her interest in making certain that youth would dream big, go places and aspire to do great things.
Always conscious of her community and dedicated to assuring that her children received the education they desired, she was part of the leadership team of young parents in Bloomington/Normal, Ill. (Blacks for Success Unlimited) who organized and planned activities for youth in the community. They organized tennis lessons for youth, a drill team for youth and social/educational events for the parents of school aged children. The organization invited community leaders and policy makers, such as school officials, civic leaders and local government officials to discuss policy matters focused on improving quality of life for all.
Beverly was a consummate writer. While living in Cincinnati, she was part of the team that wrote copy for Juvenile Court with Judge Paul Trevor, a local show on WCPO-TV. In Morgantown, Beverly was president of the West Virginia Poetry Society and penned many award-winning poems. Beverly was an avid reader; she also had a particular interest in old movies and movie stars.
As an active participant in the Mountaineer community for 40 years, Beverly enjoyed attending WVU Basketball games and taking nature walks with friends and family to scenic spots like Snake Hill and the WVU Arboretum. In her role as an administrator at the WVU Center for Black Culture and Research, she mentored students, led field trips and established a mentorship program for students at Morgantown High School. Beverly was a long-time member and officer of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. On any given day, you could find Beverly tuned into the news from West Virginia Public Radio and enjoying the live performances from their show Mountain Stage.
In retirement, Beverly enjoyed staying connected. She was in touch with mentees and friends in the community. She was blessed with family visits from sisters Willa and Wanda, along with nieces and nephews. Beverly especially cherished her time spent with her children in Morgantown and Pittsburgh, gathering for special occasions or “just because,” and her adventures with her grandchildren, whether playing “bat and ball” in the yard or exploring New York City, Hilton Head, the MLK Monument in Washington, D.C. or the beaches of Delaware, Berkeley Springs or Bedford Springs.
Beverly is survived by her three children, Gail Denise Taylor, G. Darren Taylor (Harri K. Joseph) and Dorie Louise Taylor (Seth Hufford); her sisters- and brothers-in-law, Wanda Adams Haynes (Grover), Willa Adams Evans (Don) and John J. Johnson III; her nieces and nephews; and her beloved grandsons, Nevins and Miles. Beverly will be remembered for her beautiful smile, tenacious spirit, unwavering support, unconditional love and as Nana — quick-witted and always ready with a life lesson and “a hug that would last for a long time.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a donation in Beverly Taylor’s memory to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Morgantown (UUFM) — Subject/Memo Line: Beverly Taylor Community Garden, P.O. BOX 4109, Star City, WV 26504-4109.
A virtual memorial service for Beverly is being planned for Sunday, Dec. 13: To receive a link to the virtual service, please email: beverlytaylormemorial@gmail.com.
Services are being provided by Hastings Funeral Home.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
