Marlene Marjorie Taylor-Gaulman was born in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica on October 29, 1955 to the late Iona White and Alvin Taylor. At the age of five, her family migrated to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in the Parkslope area and attended John Jay High School.
Marlene later married Bill Gaulman and they relocated to Tampa, Florida where they raised his two children, Dara and LeShan Gaulman. It was also in Tampa that she raised her niece Eldica Taylor from childhood into adolescence. Her child rearing strategies prepared them all for the world and its challenges.
Marlene was kind and nurturing, had a strong work ethic and took pride in everything she did. In her teen years, she worked as a babysitter watching her neighbors’ children. This established her foundation in child care which proved beneficial later on when she started her own home day care business in Tampa, Florida. She kept a clean home, was an awesome cook, and was extremely meticulous. She was the epitome of a lady.
Marlene loved the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul and strength. Her greatest passion was serving Him and she exemplified that everyday of her life. When she joined Bible Based Fellowship Church in 1991, she faithfully served in several ministries including the Praise Team, the Intercessory Prayer team and the Outreach Ministry, sharing his love with everyone she met. Marlene went out of her way to help others and made many sacrifices in order to provide care to her invalid sister Beverly as well as her elderly aunt Roslin.
She leaves to remember and celebrate her life her niece Eldica Taylor, children Dara and LeShan Gaulman; grandchildren, Jahi-Amir and Kijani-Ali; sisters Beverly, Elaine, and Rosie Taylor; brothers Donovan and Philmore Taylor; nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren; Bill Gaulman and a host of other friends.
Although our hearts are heavy with grief at her loss they will always be filled with loving thoughts and memories of her. She will truly be missed! We can’t wait to see her again!
A visitation will be held 10 am, Saturday, May 12th, with a Homegoing Service beginning at 11 am, at Blount & Curry at the Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery, Tampa.
