Janyce Taylor, 87, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on November 2, 2023. She was born on October 15, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Rose Mathews and Charles Johnson. Janyce was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great aunt.
Janyce was a Claims Specialist with the Social Security Administration in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a proud participant in the 60's Civil Rights movement, using her top-notch secretarial skills to assist Reverend Bruce Klunder, a civil rights activist. Later in life, Janyce pursued higher education, earning degrees from Ohio Dominican College and The City College of New York. For two decades Janyce dedicated herself to changing the lives of her 3rd-grade students in the South Bronx.
Janyce's proudest moment was volunteering on former President Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign in Las Vegas. She believed in the power of community and worked tirelessly to make a difference.
In her youth, Janyce was a member of the Karamu House Theatre,(the oldest African American theater in the nation) joining their Dance Company at the age of 15. There she also fine-tuned her vocal prowess as a lyric soprano. In later years, Janyce was a member of several world-renowned choirs, including the Wings Over Jordan Choir in Cleveland, Ohio, and The Gospel Music Workshop of America in Las Vegas. She found great joy in being a part of the Praise and Worship Team at Victory Black Mountain Church in Henderson, NV. Janyce was also an accomplished seamstress, family genealogist, and enjoyed various arts and crafts.
Janyce Taylor is survived by her daughters, Gina Taylor Pickens and Kip Taylor, son-in-law James Pickens, grandson Carl Tharps, granddaughter Gavyn Pickens, sister-in-law Elizabeth Taylor, nieces Lillian Taylor and Sylvia Taylor, and a host of grand nieces & great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother Rose Mathews, spouse Alonzo Taylor, sister Margaret Johnson, and sister Kathryn Miller.
Janyce will be deeply missed and never forgotten. To honor Janyce's wishes services will be held for family only as Janyce did not wish to have a public service. We invite you to privately celebrate her memory in your own way. We know that she will be with us all in spirit. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charitable organization of your choice.
We will honor Janyce Taylor with a Praise and Worship Celebration of Life during Black History Month February 2024 details to follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Taylor family.
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