Obituary of Amy J. Taylor

Amy Josephine Taylor, the second eldest of twelve children, was born to the late Estelle Batchelor Walton and Carl Arlington Walton on September 23, 1920 in Powhatan, VA. She was called home on April 4, 2013. Amy was reared and educated in Powhatan and at an early age committed her life to Christ becoming a member of Hollywood Baptist Church. In 1939 at the age of 19, Amy married Leonard Taylor, Sr. and moved to Newport News, VA to begin their life together. They later moved to Hampton, VA. From this union four children were born, Alonzo, Shirley, Josephine and Leonard Jr. Amy was content to stay at home and reared her children. She was a loving mother, a devoted wife and homemaker. Amy found her church home in VA and joined Ivy Baptist Church. After the death of her beloved husband Leonard in 1980, Amy became the head of the family. Her home was the destination for all celebrations and holidays. Although her life centered around the love of her family, she found time for her passions. She joined a quilting club and became active in community service by joining the Homemaker Extension Club. In March of 2000 Amy moved back to Powhatan, VA to live with her daughter Shirley. She joined Greenbrier Baptist Church and became a member of the choir. Amy was also affectionately known as Mother of the Church. During quiet times she could be found quilting, painting ceramics and cross stitching. Because of her kind heart and loving spirit, most of these projects were gifts for others. While living with her daughter Shirley, Amy was able to travel to visit family and friends and enjoy vacations on cruise ships. Amy was lovingly cared for by her daughter Shirley when her health declined. She was able to live comfortably at home with family by her side until her desire to see Jesus was fulfilled. Amy leaves to cherish her memory four children: Alonzo Taylor (Gloria), Shirley Potts-Hughes (Payton), Josephine Gaskin and Leonard Taylor, Jr. (Marianne); 8 grandchildren: Mark Taylor (Jessica), Sheila Taylor, Cheryl McLaughlin (Van), Pamela Adams (Wilbert), Donald Gaskin, Jr., Phillip and Nicholas Taylor, Rodney Hamm (Linda); 13 great grandchildren: Emma Taylor, Shene' and George LeSeur, IV, Jahmante' Jackson, Sean, Corey and Evan McLaughlin, Derik and Devin Adams, Jah-mar Joel, Kiyana Gaskin, Joshua and Gabriella Hamm; and 1 great, great grandchild: Ihsan Duncan; 2 sisters: Christine Mitchell and Fannie Brown; 1 brother: Carl Walton, Jr.; 1 brother-in-law: Freddie W. Taylor;1 sister-in-law: Shirley Walton and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.