TAYLOR, Mary Frances, was born July 1, 1928, in Athens, Alabama, to the late Ollie White and Benny Malone. Mary attended the public schools in Alabama and then moved to Dayton, Ohio, in the early 1950s. After moving to Dayton, she met and married Frank Curtis Gilbert, Sr., and the couple had one son. Years later she married the late James Taylor.
She confessed her life to Jesus Christ at an early age. Moving to Dayton, she joined United Baptist Church. In 1984, she joined Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church and served faithfully while her health permitted. She served on Stewardess Board No. II and as a member of the Ladies Aid Society. When Greater Allen entertained the Annual conferences under Bishops Webster and Henning, Mary would personally provide the Bishops nightly meals. She loved working in the Church until her health failed, and she could no longer serve.
A Mother’s love is something that no one can explain; it is made of deep devotion and sacrifice; Mary Frances was a mother to many, but especially her son, Frank Curtis, Jr. the bond that this mother and son had was one that could not be measured.
In her profession, Mary was a devoted Caregiver and Companion to many prominent Dayton Physicians and Corporate officers and their families. She loved people and loved helping others. If she made you or considered you as her friend, you were a friend for life. If you were sick, she would often prepare and deliver her “healing chicken soup.” She used her caregiving skills to aid her friends, church members, and others. Mary always had a positive spiritual outlook on life and the spiritual love of people. She never ended a call or conversation without telling you, “and I love you.” Mary Frances had a great sense of fashion and loved to dress wear hats. She would model each year in the Usher Board’s annual Fashion Hat Show.
Mary Frances was presided in death by both her parents, husband, and four brothers and sisters. She leaves to cherish her memory: one son, Frank Curtis Gilbert, Jr (Layla) of Dayton, Ohio, three grandchildren Curtis Gilbert, of Dayton, Ohio, DeShanda (Joseph) Gilbert Fisher of Dallas, Texas, and Antonio Manning of Dayton, Ohio. Fifteen Great-Grandchildren; Extended grandchildren, Azon, Cheyenne, Sharee, Darren, Geoffrey, and Gregory. Special nieces and nephews, Norma Jean, Dorothy, Steve, and Earl all of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Michael of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Lois, and Patricia of Huntsville, Alabama. Special Goddaughter, Jeanette Harris, Dayton, Ohio, and Special friends, Minnie & Richard Smith, Lilly Cantrell, Angie Powell, and Florence Brackett all of Dayton, Ohio and a host of other relatives and friends.
“To God be the Glory”
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Thomas Funeral Home, 4520 Salem Ave., Trotwood, Ohio 45416. Walk through visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Interment: West Memory Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com