Dorothy Taylor Obituary

Dorothy Mae Taylor

Dorothy Mae Taylor was born on August 30, 1929, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Clarence Taylor and his beloved wife, Mrs. Mariah Mills Taylor. Tragically, Dorothy lost her mother to double pneumonia at the tender age of 35, and her father was also absent from her life. However, by God's grace, her grandmother, Mrs. Rosie Toney, lovingly raised Dorothy and her four siblings Walter, Mabel, Lilly Mae, and Joseph - in a home filled with love and faith. At the age of 13, Dorothy gave her life to Christ and was baptized at New Light Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Packwood. Dorothy was an active member of the church choir and continued her service to God even after Pastor Packwood passed away. In January 1946, Dorothy married Nathaniel Ray Jr., and together they were blessed with 10 children: Nathaniel Ray IlI, Jimmy Ray, Betty Jean Ray (Short), Stella Louise Ray (Magee), Danny Ray, David Ray, Tyrone Ray, Gerald Ray, Ricky Oliver Ray, and Deborah Ann Ray (Johnson). Though their marriage ended after 23 years, Dorothy remained steadfast in her faith and in her commitment to raising her children in the church. Dorothy later found peace and strength in Stronger Hope Baptist Church, where she joined the choir and continued to serve the Lord. When Pastor Carter passed, she remained faithful, continuing to worship until Reverend Profit took over, and the church flourished once again. Over the years, Dorothy purchased her dream home at 1622 Desire Street, where she would live for over 40 years. It was here that she praised God daily, acknowledging the blessings He had bestowed upon her and her family. She witnessed the construction of Greater Liberty Baptist Church from the ground up, and it became a place she deeply cherished. After its completion, Dorothy became an active member of Greater Liberty Baptist Church, where she served for over 35 years under the leadership of Pastor Calvin W. Woods Jr. Dorothy contributed to the church in countless ways, from singing in the choir to leading the adult usher board and chairing the dress committee. Her unwavering faith and dedication led her to also help establish a Junior Usher Board for children ages 5 to 12, where she served as the head counselor. Through these efforts, Dorothy helped raise significant funds for the church while nurturing the spiritual growth of the next generation. A talented seamstress in her youth, Dorothy sewed clothes for her children, the church's usher board, and even for members of the congregation, including Pastor Woods. She also worked as a security officer until her retirement at the age of 62. Through it all, Dorothy knew that it was God's hand guiding her steps. Dorothy was blessed with a loving family, including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She lived an extraordinary life, one filled with love, faith, and service. As she leaves this world, Dorothy's message to her family is clear: "Don't grieve for me, for I am fine with God. Whatever you do, don't forget Him. We are all His children." To all who knew and loved her, Dorothy says,"It was a good fight, and an awesome life serving the Lord." Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Greater Liberty Baptist Church, 1230 Desire Street, New Orleans, LA 70117 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122. You may sign the guest book on www.gertruegeddeswillis.com. Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home Inc., in charge (504) 522-2525.