Gloria Darlene Brown Taylor

Gloria Darlene Brown Taylor, lovingly known as Darlene, passed away on May 4, 2026, at the age of 78. She was born on February 28, 1948, and spent her entire life in Jacksonville, Florida, a community she deeply loved and helped shape through her family, faith, and hard work. The last 16 years of her life, Darlene battled metastatic breast cancer and treatment complications. She was a fighter.

Darlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Alongside her husband of 59 years, David Taylor, she opened and operated a successful family air conditioning and heating business, dedicating more than five decades to serving her community with integrity and honesty.

A woman of strong faith, Darlene spent many years alongside her husband teaching Sunday school at Hillcrest Baptist Church, where she touched countless lives with her kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit. Prior to that Darlene’s mother and father cofounded Faith Memorial Baptist Church that originally worshiped in their home’s garage and held Sunday school in Darlene’s bedroom.

Above all, Darlene cherished her family. She is survived by her loving husband, David Taylor; her daughter, Dr. Tiffany Massey and her husband, Harry Massey; her son, David Taylor III and his wife, Katie Taylor; and her three beautiful granddaughters, Shelby Taylor, Grace Massey, and Blaire Massey. She found her greatest joy in time spent with them, especially during treasured moments together at Crystal Lake. “Mimi”, as her grandchildren called her, never missed an opportunity to hang out with her family at the lake and never showed up empty handed.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Haven Hospice women of philanthropy

Visitation will be held at Living Faith Church, 6731 Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, US, on May 9, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, US, on May 9, 2026, at 3:00 pm.