Mary Annette Wilcots

Mary Annette grew up in North Carolina alongside her siblings. In 1946, she married Willard Taylor, and together they began building their family, welcoming four children into their lives. The couple later separated, and Annette moved to Washington, D.C., to be closer to her parents and siblings. While living there, she met Thomas Wilcots. Their love led her to relocate to his home state of Texas, where they were married on December 29, 1977, remaining devoted to one another until his passing in 1988.

While raising her children, Mary Annette worked in retail to help support her family. She later found her calling working in the school nutrition department for the Dallas Independent School District, where she faithfully served until her retirement in 1993.

Mary Annette was an active and spirited woman who brought joy and laughter wherever she went. Mary was a faithful member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Dallas. She was a devoted attendee of the MLK Center in Dallas, where she proudly referred to herself as the “queen.” She also enjoyed trips to Winstar to play the slot machines — but only if she could pull the arm herself. Mary Annette was known for her sharp mind and competitive spirit at the card table, especially when playing Spades, Uno!, and Bid Whist. Her quick wit and lively personality made every game memorable.

Mary Annette was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Dell and Lillie Bell Fennell; her beloved husband, Thomas Wilcots; her brother, Dell Fennell Jr, her sister, Barbara Lee; and her daughter, Geraldine Taylor-Lawrence.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories through her children, Barbara Mitchell, Linda Hadley and husband Donald, and Ronnie Taylor and wife Diane; her grandchildren, Jamila Murray and husband James, Tristan Taylor and wife Cassel, Myrin Taylor, Jessica Richards, Damion Taylor and wife Felicia, Nicholas Taylor, and Leanetta Avery-Anderson, Tiwanda Shaw; her great-grandchildren, Jaida Richards, Jaila and Javon Murray, Constance, Kaylen, Cassidy, Toree, Sadee, and Jamee Taylor, Lillian Anderson, D'Andrea and Christopher Shaw and one great-great-grandchild Ziyen and her beloved nieces and nephews, Donna Fennell Young, Michael Lee, William Lee (Paige), Gregory Fennell (Nicole), Priscilla Lee, Reggie Lee (Shawnda).