Marilyn Louise Taylor

Born on March 9th 1938, in Choctaw County, Hugo, Oklahoma, Marilyn was the beloved daughter of Gertrude L. Fort and Tommie Guess. Marilyn was an enrolled member by blood of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. After graduating from Booker T Washington High School, she relocated to Kansas City, Kansas, in 1956 seeking a new beginning and a brighter future.

While working at the Terrace Club, Marilyn affectionally known as Lousie, met a young and ambitious Fred L. Taylor. Their connection blossomed into a lifelong love story, and on March 7, 1957, they were united in marriage. Together they built a family, a legacy, and a lasting impact on Wyandotte County.

In 1956, Marilyn became a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where her faith became a guiding light throughout her life. She faithfully served on various committees, raised her children to know and follow the Lord, and later served with love and wisdom on the Mother Board. For 70 years, Mt. Zion remained at her church home, and she remained a faithful member until her passing.

As her husband, Fred, established and expanded businesses that became beloved staples in the community, including A&T Market (1963), Fred’s Market (1971, and Fast Fred’s (1986), Park Avenue, Freddie T’s, and their construction company building homes for families across Wyandotte County. Many of those homes families still live in today including the current Family home of the Taylor family. Marilyn was the steady foundation behind the scenes. Through every challenge and every triumph, she stood beside him with unwavering strength, grace, and devotion. After Fred’s passing in 1988, Marilyn continued the family legacy with courage, innovation, precise decision making skills and determination, proving herself to be a fierce and capable businesswoman in her own right. Managing the business until her retirement and turning the legacy over to her children.

Marilyn’s impact reached far beyond the walls of the family business. She poured love, wisdom, discipline, and care into her community, making sure that those in need were met with food, compassion, and guidance. Her presence was a blessing to many, and her work reflected both her faith and her deep commitment to serving others.

In 2025, Marilyn was honored with the Kansas City Kansas Vanguard “Rise of the Entrepreneur” Award, recognizing the iconic market Fred built and the legacy Marilyn so faithfully and tirelessly carried forward in the community.

Above all, Marilyn was devoted to her family. She possessed a quiet strength, compassionate spirit, and unwavering faith. Her home was a place of warmth, wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love. She taught by example, demonstrating integrity, perseverance, humility, and generosity.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred L. Taylor, Sr; her mother, Gertrude Fort; her father, Tommie Guess, and brother-inlaw Nathaniel S. Hawthorne.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Monica M. Taylor, Marcella A. Taylor, Terry L. Taylor (Esmarelda), Anita L Taylor, Cassandra R. Taylor, Lori A. Taylor, Fred L. Taylor Jr. (Kendra), Kendria L. Taylor, and Katerina Y. Taylor; and her special child, Jerrick “Bobby” Eskridge.

She also leaves behind her devoted siblings: Yvonne Hawthorne, Gerald Fort (Wilma Sister -in-law), Anthony Fort (Linda sister-in-law), Victor Fort (Norma Sister-in- law), and Ronnie Fort; eleven grandchildren, Jessica, Tamara (Willard III), Terry Jr., James Michael, Tara, Talisha, Alexandria, Ashley, Alyssa, Sophia, and Fred Taylor, III. Six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though her earthly presence will be deeply missed, her love remains woven into the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through every life she touched and every generation she helped shape.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Visitation will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 417 Richmond Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101 on June 27, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, followed by the Funeral Service at 10:30 am. Final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens