Mrs. Shirley E. Showers Taylor

UTICA - Shirley E. Showers Taylor, age 67, went to her eternal rest on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 with her family at her side at the time of her passing. Born in Alachua, Florida on December 13, 1952, Shirley was the daughter of the late Leroy Frison and Mae Jewel Gary. She was a graduate of Santa Fe High School. In 1973 she earned her Certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) and began working at Alachua Nursing Home. She then accepted a position in the Gainesville Nursing Home and as well as a pharmacy in Gainesville. Shirley’s first marriage to Watson Showers was hallmarked by their great relationship and highlighted by the many wonderful memories they shared after she was welcomed into a family with 2 step-children who she would nurture and love. Shirley subsequently moved from Florida to Utica where she met and married Jessie “Son Jr.” Taylor in 1985. Theirs was a fruitful marriage: they worked together in business ventures and she inherited a host of children and grandchildren. Jessie brought Shirley into his business venture and she managed the Real Estate properties in the Cornhill area. They were pillars in their communities, always assisting others and looking out for their wellbeing. As people of God, Jessie was ordained a Deacon, and Shirley, a Missionary, and they worked well together in ventures to fulfill the work of the Lord. Her husband Jessie passed away on January 18, 1997. Shirley continued to care for people in need as she held compassionate care for those who resided at Broadacres, and Masonic Home of CNY. Lastly, she was proud to be the personal assistant to Susan Behlog and completing her daily business and personal needs. The elder sister of her 8 siblings, Shirley was strict, but caring, and her motto summed it up: “If you got too close, you got pricked by little thorns”. Although her humor was dry, some of her remarks could sting! From a young age, she was a natural caretaker for her grandmother and her aunt, a role that determined her future career as a caretaker. It was a vocation that evinced her love and passion in life. Shirley also cooked Sunday dinner, every Sunday, for her family, as well as the congregation at church, …50 or more meals! Her specialties were her Mac & Cheese and her signature cakes. Even though she was a strict disciplinarian, she expressed her expectations and corrective recommendations with love and valuable life lessons. Shirley was blessed with the position of Head Missionary at Friendship Baptist Church and the Gary family were faithful members of this parish for 42 years. Being a pillar in the community and a true leader, Shirley attended classes to obtain the highest level of Head Missionary bestowed by her standing Pastor Rev. Charles March. She is a part of a parish that shares several Missionary positions which Shirley oversaw. Her God-given ability to promote Christianity was recognized and acknowledged when she was ordained. In her church and among her congregation, she prayed in outreach, fed the needy stationery ministry, and preached regularly on Sundays. She served on the Mothers Board, Pastor Aide Committee, and the Hospitality Committee, and in earlier years, she ushered and was a member of the Usher Board and more recently the Senior Choir. She did anything and everything she could for her church. During her spare time, she enjoyed watching WWF Wrestling, and remember, …Don’t call her on Monday night or Friday night, between 8:00-10:00 PM! Being a mom to multiple children in her family required a large regime of nurturing and caring on Shirley’s part. When she became the matriarch of her family upon the passing of her parents, she stepped up to the role of mothering, teaching, and loving 4 generations with compassion. She was the bridge to keeping the heritage of their family alive, and the family members remained with her as a unit. Because they were closely knit, their lives were interconnected and impacted by each member. Collectively, they were always festive, upbeat, loud, and prepared with extra food, especially during the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays when good will and good meals abounded. Those were special days and being there was a ‘must’ if you lived within 50 miles. Seating was done in shifts, and Shirley’s door was always swung wide open. Shirley was a step-mother to Cynthia, Brenda, Lois, Rosemary, Vandi, and Zachary, and preceded by Elouise, Jean, and Jessie Jr. She leaves a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings and their loves, Ethel Mae King, Irvin L. Gary, Willie J. and Deborah Gary, Elizabeth Gary-Clarke and husband Patrick, and Otis J. Gary. She was preceded by siblings, James A. Lewis, and Steven L. Gary. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, and lifelong friends, Jackie Andrews, Lois Collins; Pattie Richardson who she loved as a sister; and best friend Alice Mann who preceded her. She was predeceased by her mother, Mae Jewel; grandmother, Ethel Johnson; and great-great-aunt, Dinah Brown, all of whom welcomed her to Heaven. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and aides at MVHS at St. Luke’s Home/Barton North for their compassionate care; and Pastor March for his pastoral visits and for his leadership in her life. Visitation will held Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 11:00 - 12:00 Noon at Friendship Baptist Church, 1004 Albany Street, Utica. Face masks covering your nose and mouth are required, and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. The family will honor Shirley’s Home Going service and Celebration of Life at a private time. Interment will take place privately in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Shirley’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mrs. Shirley E. Showers Taylor

December 13, 1952 - December 9, 2020