Eva Taylor

Mrs. Eva Hunt Taylor, a native of Americus, Georgia was born on November 8th to the late Mr. & Mrs.  Lem and Avalina Hunt Sr. Eva attended the Sumter County elementary schools in Americus, Ga. During her senior year she was named “Homecoming Queen” before graduating from A. S. Stanley High School in 1947. She then attended Fort Valley State College, Fort Valley, Ga. receiving a BA matriculating in Early Childhood Education. Eva attended Big Bethel Baptist Church in Americus during her childhood. After relocating to New Jersey she joined the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Somerset, NJ under the Pastorate of Rev. C. J. Wooding. She was involved for many years with the Pastor’s Aide Society, BTU, and the Senior Choir #1 where she enjoyed singing to the glory of God.

Eva met the love of her life, the late Roy Taylor, they were married for over 30 years and from that union they had three children Miyoshi, Tyrone and Michelle.

Eva has had a lot of personal experience with nurturing and developing children. For over 52 years Eva educated and inspired hundreds of young minds. Fondly known by her colleagues, family, and friends as the energetic, enthusiastic, master teacher who loved “her children” she taught.  She obtained her K through 8th Grade NJ Teacher Certification and Substitute Certification in 1962.

 While substituting for a teacher who was out on leave, she impressed the principal with her genuine care for the students, excellent teaching, ability to build relationships with parents, and classroom management skill.  So much so, that he asked her to take over another teacher’s 2nd grade class full time in New Brunswick, New Jersey at the Bayard Elementry School. There she continued to nurture and develop the young minds of her students for the next few years.  In 1966, she had the opportunity to move up a grade level as a 3rd grade teacher at the James Monroe Elementary School, in Edison NJ.  In 1972, she began working as a branch manager and head teacher for the MCEOC Head Start Program where she not only created and implemented lessons that met the diverse needs and learning styles of the children, she also mentored new teachers and provided training for the staff members she managed. In 1979 during a transitional period of the organization, the Policy Council asked her to be the director of the program.  Although she enjoyed her time as the director, her true heart beat was being in the classroom with the children whose minds she could develop and inspire.  She loved meeting her students at the door as they arrived.  She was always ready to greet them with a smile and was dressed up just for them every day. Soon after returning to the classroom she was awarded with the 25 Years Outstanding Teacher Award.

Over the years she has received countless awards,  phone calls, visits, and even request asking her to come to high school or college graduations, weddings, speaking engagements etc. from former student’s.  Not only did she impact them but she also touched their families as well. Even years later after they have grown up these adults who were previously students of hers see “Mrs. Taylor” in the community at different events greet her with a hearty hug and smile while reminiscing of their wonderful experience in her classroom.  For 52 years she taught “her children” with delight instilling in them a love for learning.

Predeceased by her parents Mr. &  Mrs. Lem Hunt Sr., Son Tyrone Taylor, Sister Betty Bussey, two brothers Lem Hunt Jr. and Johnny Fletcher Sr., three sister in laws, Ernestine Taylor, Marynell Hunt and Eloise Fletcher, five brother in laws, James, Frank, Arthur, Marvin, and Melvin Taylor.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her two lovely daughters the Reverend Miyoshi Taylor Schenck (Reverend Dorrian) of Charlotte, NC. and Michelle Murray (Terry), of Somerset, NJ.  Her four grandchildren Dante Carter (Jasmine) of West Windsor, NJ, Monet, Tyson, and Imani Murray of Somerset, NJ, grandson Tyzir Wright, one Great-granddaughter Vanessa Carter of Springfield, Ohio, three sister in laws Mariva & Barbara Taylor of Somerset, NJ, and Dr. Carol Taylor of Durham, NC. and a very special beloved cousin like a daughter Dolly Andrews. Three Godchildren Derrick Andrews, Shannon Jackson, Gina Bowers and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins,  students and extended family.

Humbly Submitted by the Family of Mrs. Eva Hunt Taylor

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eva Taylor, please visit our floral store.