Myra Taylor

Myra C. Taylor, a woman of remarkable achievements, passed away on May 14, 2024. Born on August 25, 1921, to Labe and Louise M. Crowe in Providence, Kentucky, she was a diligent student. She attended Rosenwald High School and after graduation, she pursued her passion for beauty at Western Kentucky Vocational School, graduating in Cosmetology. She then ventured into entrepreneurship, owning, and operating her beauty shop, 'Myra's Beauty Nook' in Henderson & Evansville. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Worsham College of Mortuary Science, where she earned her degree. Continuing her educational journey, she received her BA & Master's in Elementary Education from the University of Evansville. She shared her knowledge and passion for learning as a 3rd-grade teacher at Hebron Elementary School for 19 years. In 2022, Myra was honored as the first African American teacher at Hebron Elementary School, in which all the students wrote her personalized notes and cards in her honor. She was also interviewed by the local newspapers and television news, honoring her achievement and in celebration of her birthday 101 years of Age. 

Myra was not just a member of the Alexander African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church for over 60 years, she was a beacon of selflessness and dedication in the community. Her commitment to service was evident in her various roles within the church,  where she served as the treasurer of the Trustee Board, Missionary Women's Guild, and Sunday School superintendent, and the founding member of the Missionary Society of Alexander AME,  always stepping up wherever she was needed. Her dedication to helping others extended beyond the church walls. She volunteered at the Harvest Time Soup Kitchen and was a tutor at Vohart Path work, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around her. She was a dedicated member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Alpha Eta Chapter for 51 years.

Myra's personal life and interests included Los Amiga Bridge Club, Lunch Brunch, working crossword puzzles, and gardening her plants. Her hobbies included fishing, watching golf, football, and basketball, needlework quilting, reading, and bible study at Nazarene Church.

Myra was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold Henry, from Cleveland, Ohio; her brother, Harold Daniel; her son James Harold; her parents, her nephew, Gary Daniel; and her niece, Rose Marie Coleman.

Myra is survived by grandsons Jaron James and Brendon Harold Taylor, daughter-in-law Denise Griffith-Taylor, nieces Rhonda Downs & Karen Crowe, nephew Darryl Donahue; Jean Crowe, and great-nieces and nephews. Dedicated caregiver and adopted daughter Viola Davis (Harold), Freddie Landrum, and Ann Wright (CNA) who affectionately called her “grandma”.  Myra was affectionately loved and cherished by many close family friends, church members, and sorority members, reflecting the deep bonds she cultivated throughout her life with her community.

Due to Mausoleum restrictions, flowers cannot be placed in the vault. In place of flowers, donations can be made to the care of Julia Taborn, Missionary Society of Alexander AME Church of Evansville, IN.