Theola Theodora Taylor, 84, Lawrence, Kansas went to glory on Saturday, November 28, 2015. She was born on November 25, 1931 in Appleton, Missouri the daughter of Mike Thomas and Virginia Harper Thomas. The family relocated to Lawrence, Kansas when Theola was in her teens and settled in North Lawrence. Theola attended Lawrence Public Schools and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School. She earned her Income Tax Certification in 1989 and her Real Estate license in 1994. Theola married Herbert L. (Rink) Nelson and they were married for 25 years. From this union five children were born. She later married Edgerton A. Taylor. He preceded her in death.

Theola was a member of St. James AME Church until it closed at which time she united with St. Luke AME Church. She was a very faithful and active member of her church. While a member Theola taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School, was a member and held office in the Women’s Missionary Society and in her later years was a proud Deaconess.

Our mother Theola had a robust work life. She strived to push ahead and follow her dreams! She was a talented and accomplished seamstress. She was employed as a seamstress doing alterations for Obers Department Store and Anita’s alterations for many years. She also worked doing alterations independently however her ultimate goal was to own her own business. In 1976, she opened “Nelson’s Tailor Shop” until 1981. Her work career did not stop there. She continued on to become the Child Care Director for the “Small Wonders Daycare” which was owned by St. James AME Church. She changed careers and begun working for Sunflower Ammunition Plant from 1981 until she retired in 1994. Although she retired she continued to be active for many years by working in her church and enjoying family activities. She was a woman of many enjoyments which included sewing, upholstery and decorating projects.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Virginia Thomas, husband, Edgerton A. Taylor and daughter, Jacquelyn Nelson. Theola is survived her children, Mary (Cookie) M. Lee, Lawrence, Kansas, Marleeta (Sissy)D. Dowdell of Lawrence, Kansas, Barry (Bub) L. Nelson of Wichita, Kansas and Julie A. Cooper (Charles) of Lawrence, Kansas; six grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

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