Rita Laverne Taylor

Rita Laverne (Faxio) Taylor was born on July 25, 1934, the fourth of eight children to parents Paul A. Sr. and Sarah E. Faxio, and died on January 31, 2026, at George Washington University Hospital with her son, Brian, by her side.

Rita attended Armstrong Vocational High School, where she completed college-preparation courses and vocational training, which sparked her interest and proficiency in sewing. Upon graduation in June 1952, she enrolled in Minor Teachers College (now part of the University of the District of Columbia). She completed one year and chose to leave to assist her parents in caring for her younger siblings.

With this decision, Rita would be considered the "glue" of the family, a role that extended beyond siblings to in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

On August 24, 1963, Rita was united in matrimony to Leroy Taylor at St. Luke's Catholic Church, Washington, DC. They were married for 42 years until Leroy's death in August 2005. In June 1967, they were blessed with their only child, Brian Anthony, who was a source of delight and gratification in their lives. Rita was a dedicated full-time homemaker and mother, and she also generously took on childcare responsibilities not only for her own family, but for friends and neighbors as well. Rita had a quiet disposition, but her various roles commanded respect, and she knew how to get things done. She had the respect and love of all her siblings, whether older or younger, and they all sought her approval, assistance, and consultation in many matters. She was committed to serving family and friends and is loved and honored among them for her life of service.

Rita was a lifelong Catholic, first attending the Incarnation Church in Northeast Washington in her early years and transferring to St. Luke's with her family in 1957.

Rita is survived by her son Brian, daughter-in-law, Davida, four grandchildren, Deneira, Brian Leroy, Denina, Brina, and two great grandsons, Jalen and Caden; one brother, John, three sisters-in-law, Lorraine, Jinx, and Rowena, a host of nephews, nieces, a special niece and friend, Wanda, cousins, and friends.

A visitation will be held on February 13, 2026, at 9:00 am at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, located at 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, Maryland, 20722.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 10:00 am at the same location.

The committal will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, Maryland, 20722, at 11:00 am.