Nellie “Sugar” Jane (Taylor) Vester was welcomed into this world on March 23, 1938 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Robert Taylor, Sr. and Marie Taylor. Growing up with her 5 siblings; Robert Taylor, Jr., Roberta Jacobs, Walter “Buddy” Taylor, Virginia Taylor and Bonita Lee Tyson. She affectionately became known as “Sugar” to anyone who encountered her zestful, delightful, and loving personality. In 1956, she graduated from R.T. Coles High School and went on to obtained her LPN from the Kansas City School of Nursing. She was an accomplished nurse who went on to become an RN and supervisor at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Sugar used her nursing career to care for, provide, and inspire her family.
On February 21, 1970, Nellie married the love of her life, Leigh “Pete” Vester known to us as “Papa”. Pete loved, cared and protected Nellie for 50 years. During their union they raised her 4 children, his 3 children and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pete and Sugar spent time traveling, hosting card parties, and dinners at their home. During all of which, Sugar’s wit, infectious laugh and delicious food would leave lasting impressions on their guests. As Nellie leaves this earth, her family is her legacy.
Nellie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Robert Taylor, Jr., and Walter "Buddy" Taylor, sister Virginia "Jennie" Taylor; and son William Peterson, Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Pete and their children, Venessa Huskey, Jenise Lemmones, Denise Morris, Cheryl Ann Martin, Steve Vester (Annie) and Darlene Roland (Warren). As well as 12 grandchildren, Clinnise Frost (Robert), April Rimpson, Clinnon White, III (Jessica), Tamia Lemmones, Genee’ Johnson (Pierre), Jasmine Peterson, Candy Vester, Ambrosia Vester, Kenyatta Love, Terry Vester (Tameka), Sherry Vester, and Johari White (Heidy); 25 great-grandchildren, a host great-great grandchildren.
Nellie was affectionately called Big Mama by her family who surrounded her as she went on to peace January 22, 2020. After living such a full life, she was diagnosed with Dementia and complications from this disease, which took Big Mama away from her family and friends.
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