Thara Minnie-Corine Kincade

Thara Minnie-Corine Kincade, affectionately known as “Minnie,” was born on September 22, 1954, in Eudora, Arkansas. She was the second daughter and third child born to her mother, Charlene E. Kincade. Growing up on her grandparents’ farm, she learned the values of hard work, resourcefulness, stewardship, respect, and discipline from both her grandmother, Vertye Dabney Kincade, and her grandfather, Charles Earnest Kincade.

Thara’s mother, Charlene, later followed her sister, Thelma, in making Detroit, Michigan, their permanent home. Thara continued her education in the Detroit Public Schools system and graduated from Charles F. Kettering High School in 1972.

In the summer of 1979, Thara began building a successful career from the ground up when she joined Michigan Bell Telephone Company as part of the Centralized Repair Service Answering Bureau (CRSAB). Under the mentorship of her supervisor, Ruth Green, Thara embraced opportunities for growth and leadership, eventually earning a promotion into management. Her role allowed her to travel extensively for business, earning many frequent flyer miles as a Northwest WorldPerks member. During her travels, she enjoyed exploring new places, often sharing stories about her favorite restaurants and shopping destinations.

Thara was committed to serving her community and participated in volunteer efforts through the AT&T Pioneers, including helping paint classrooms at Woodward Academy before its opening. She proudly shared this experience with her daughter. Though she excelled in leadership positions, Thara never hesitated to roll up her sleeves and do the hard work. During a strike in the 2000s, she completed pole-climbing training, laced up her steel-toe boots, and worked as a Premise Technician to help keep the business running.

Thara was widely known for her green thumb and was the family’s go-to expert on plants, flowers, and soil. Detroit’s Eastern Market Flower Day was always a highlight on her calendar. She also enjoyed collecting Annie Lee figurines and reading African American literature in her leisure time.

As her late Aunt Mable would often say, “Workin' hard to keep from workin'.” After 33 years of dedicated service, she retired from AT&T in May 2012 as a Senior Network Support Specialist. Retirement allowed her to devote herself fully to the people she loved most. She was a devoted wife to Clifford Taylor and a selfless, loving mother to her son, Chauncey Kincade, and daughter, Cherrise Kincade. She shared that same unwavering love and devotion with her grandchildren, Nia Morris and Alise Hardy.

Family was always Thara’s highest priority. She faithfully supported the endeavors of her loved ones and was always available to offer warm hugs, encouragement, and wise advice. As a proud Kincade first cousin, she was an early contributor to her family’s ongoing biannual reunion planning and events. Thara never met a stranger and lived by the Golden Rule, consistently treating others exactly as she wished to be treated.

To all who knew her, Thara was truly an angel on earth. On May 25, 2026, Thara made her transition from this earthly life. Her strong faith, devotion to prayer, and love for the Lord guided her every step.

Thara was preceded in death by her mother, Charlene E. Kincade, and her brother, Terrell Mitchell.

She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: her husband, Clifford Taylor; her children, Chauncey Kincade and Cherrise Kincade; her grandchildren, Nia Morris and Alise Hardy; her sister, Linda Board; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love, kindness, and presence.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, beginning at 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Kaul Funeral Home 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081.

Funeral Service be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, beginning with a gathering at 10:00 am, until time of service at 11:00 am, at the funeral home.