Velma Marie Taylor

Velma Marie Taylor, 90, passed away Friday, February 21, 2025, at her residence in Concord, NC, surrounded by her family. 

Born on September 7, 1934, in Beggs, Oklahoma to Ernest “Buddy” and Ruby Williams, Velma’s early years in Beggs – attending Wheatley High School – instilled in her a deep-rooted sense of community, resilience, and love. On July 18, 1953, she married the love of her life, Isaiah “Boots” Taylor. Their union, celebrating 63 years, was graced with four beautiful children – three sons and one daughter—and Velma delighted in attending to her children, always eager to share stories of their athletic and academic accomplishments.

Velma had a witty and charming personality that made her a joy to be around. People loved to see and hear her laugh, and she had a special gift for storytelling. Her quick wit and funny sayings could light up a room, and she could tell a story in a way that left everyone laughing. Her humor was infectious, and she had a way of making even ordinary moments feel special with her delightful sense of humor and sharp comedic timing.

For over 20 years, Velma dedicated herself to caring for the homes and hearts of chosen families. She believed every home was a sanctuary where love, laughter, and comfort flourished. With an attentive spirit and a meticulous eye for detail, she transformed houses into havens of warmth and order. Her service extended beyond cleaning and organizing; Velma’s gentle presence, hearty meals, and attentive care nurtured both the physical spaces and the souls of those she loved to serve. She loved serving the Lord, singing his praises, sharing her love for life with family and friends, and helping others in any way she could.

Velma’s life was marked by selfless service and unwavering devotion. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest “Buddy” Williams and Ruby Thorns Williams Demery Tate, her devoted and loving husband, Isaiah “Boots” Taylor, and her infant son, Randolph Isaiah Taylor. 

She is survived by her sons, Dennis Taylor (Ruby) of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Dale Taylor (Beverly) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her daughter, Jeannie Taylor King of Concord, North Carolina; her sisters, Dorothy Ann Shepherd of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Teresa Smallwood (Robert) of Beggs, Oklahoma; her brothers, Clarence Demery of Preston, Oklahoma, Reggie Demery of Beggs, Oklahoma, and Lionel Tate and Johnny Tate both of Phoenix, Arizona; sister-cousins, Kupie Hughes of Seattle, Washington and Gussie Thorns of Detroit, Michigan; along with four grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. In addition, she leaves behind family members considered sons – Henry B. King, Jr. of Kannapolis, North Carolina; Sylvester Goudeau of Beggs, Oklahoma; George Wilson (Denise) of Lawton, Oklahoma – as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord, North Carolina, and from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, February 28, 2025, at D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., 1601 North Wood Drive, Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The funeral service, officiated by Pastor Greg Lewis, will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church South, 8150 Highway 16, Beggs, Oklahoma, with burial to follow at Beggs City Cemetery. 

Velma’s legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her gentle touch and generous spirit enriched the lives of countless families and transformed homes into sanctuaries of peace and joy. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory lives on in every heart she touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus Fund with notifications sent to Jeannie Taylor King, 798 Rothmoor Dr. NE, Concord, NC 28025.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord, North Carolina, and Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc. of Okmulgee, Oklahoma are honored to serve the Taylor family during this time of remembrance.