Hattie Louise Taylor

Our cherished mother, Hattie Louise Ross Taylor, was born on February 4, 1934, in the small town of Lena, Mississippi. She began her journey as the tenth of eleven children in the loving home of Ollie B. and Lodus Sparkman Ross. Her early years were shaped by the warmth and closeness of a large family, and she was affectionately known by her nicknames “Julie” and “Tee-nines.” Her roots ran deep, as she was the cherished granddaughter of Lewis and Lucrecia Ealy Ross, and Isaiah and Sarah Johnson Sparkman, whose values and traditions she carried forward throughout her life.

Growing up in Walnut Grove, Mississippi, Hattie learned the importance of faith, family, and community. She completed her education at Leake County High School, where she developed a lifelong love of learning and a strong sense of responsibility. From a young age, she embraced her faith, accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Walnut Grove Church of God in Christ. This commitment to her spiritual life became a guiding force, shaping her character and inspiring her to serve others with compassion and humility.

After graduating, Hattie moved to Jackson, Mississippi, and later made Indianapolis, Indiana, her permanent home. It was there that she met and married Albert Wesley Taylor. Together, they raised four children—Albertina, Sandy, Lorenzo (Rhodesia), and Willie Van. Their home was a haven of warmth and hospitality, always open to relatives and friends. Hattie was known for her generosity, welcoming spirit, and the deep affection she showed to everyone who crossed her threshold.

Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, Hattie was a devoted member of her church community. She served faithfully at the Original Church and God and later at Robinson Temple COGIC, where her love for gospel quartet music uplifted and inspired those around her. Her faith was not just a private matter but a living testimony, expressed through her music, her service, and her unwavering support for her church family. She found joy in fellowship, and her presence was a source of comfort and encouragement to many.

She found great joy in the company of her family and friends, cherishing every moment spent together. She brought so many under the care of her protective arms, loving deeply and sacrificing quietly for others. She also delighted in visiting flea markets and searching for treasures while thrifting.

Throughout her professional life, Hattie worked at several hospitals in Indianapolis, ultimately retiring from St. Vincent Hospital after many years of dedicated service as a Surgical Instrument Technician. She was respected for her diligence, kindness, and commitment to excellence. Her colleagues remembered her for her gentle touch and her ability to bring light and hope to those in need.

Hattie was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Noble Lee Ross, Martha Jane Spivey, Dorsula Lewis, Lonteen Bates, Everlean Carson, Bessie Mae Bates, Para Lee Williams, Marvin Ross, Manual Ross, and Ollie Mae McBeath. Though she mourned their passing, she honored their memory by living a life of purpose, love, and faith.

Her legacy endures in the lives of her 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, and a vast extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Each of them carries a piece of her spirit—her kindness, her resilience, her devotion to family, and her unwavering faith. Hattie Louise Ross Taylor touched countless lives, and her memory will be cherished for generations to come.

Tributes:

Daughters:

To Our Beautiful Mother

Growing up as your daughters was one of God’s greatest gifts to us. You taught us how to be women of dignity, compassion, and faith. You listened to our worries, celebrated our joys, and wiped our tears when the world felt heavy.

You didn’t have to be perfect to be everything we needed — you were real, you were loving, and you were ours.

We will miss the warmth of your voice, your wisdom, and your gentle presence. But your love didn’t leave with you — it remains in every lesson you taught and every memory we treasure.

Thank you, Mama, for loving us so well. Rest in peace, wrapped in God’s everlasting love.

Sons:

To Our Beloved Mother

Being your sons has been the greatest honor of our lives. You raised us with courage, faith, humor, and a whole lot of love. You didn’t just tell us how to live — you showed us. You worked hard. You cared for others. You kept going, even when life was difficult.

You were our protector when we were boys and our friend when we became men.

There is an ache in our hearts that words can’t fully describe. But there is also pride — because we know we were blessed to have you as our mother.

We will honor you by loving our families the way you loved us, by walking in faith, and by keeping your memory alive.

Thank you, Mama. For everything.