Ms. Daphne Elaine Taylor

On August 23, 1962, Otis Johnson and Helen Lewis expected their third child to be a boy. Instead, God gave them another beautiful baby girl. They named her Daphne Elaine. She was born of natural birth which made her alert and strong. As she grew older, so did her strong-will, boldness, confidence, and positive self-concept which frequently led to disagreements among her peers and siblings. She was taller than her two older sisters, Rhenel and Gaila, and barely 12 months older than her younger brother, Otis Jr. Her younger brother, Bobby was born five years later.

Daphne accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized by the late Rev. Dr. L. D. Gillum (Pastor – Central Gardens Baptist Church). Other church memberships include Northside Baptist Church and First Faith Baptist Church.

Education: Daphne was a product of Houston ISD and graduated from Kashmere HS with honors. She was in the Marching and Stage Band, played the clarinet, composed music, and sang with a group. She and her older sister, Gaila, attended the Summer Jazz Workshop under direction of the Horace Young, and performed an instrumental duet (Bill’s Blues) on Channel 13-TV while in high school.

After graduation from high school, Daphne attended the U of H (Downtown Campus), where she met and befriended a brilliant Nigerian co-ed named Morgan Ovuede. Together they had a wonderful son, Jumall. While Jumall was still young, she married her high school sweetheart, Danny Taylor. One child was born to this union, Dannielle (affectionately known as Bunny). Daphne and Danny divorced years later after which Daphne experienced two other failed marital relationships.

College Experience – Attended U of Houston (Downtown); Texas Southern University; and received her RN license from Tarrant County Community College.

Employment/Business: Worked as a Certified Lifeguard, Certified Occupational Safety Trainer, Singer/Musician and FedEx Representative. Also, a Poll Worker and Volunteer Voter Registrar.

About five years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer but kept a positive attitude and smile on her face throughout her treatment. Two years ago, the cancer metastasized. Then, she contracted Covid-19 that aggravated her condition. Yet, she tried to continue working and helping her sick friends until her sickness overcame her. Her partner, Lionell Brown, children (Dannielle, Jumall and wife, Iannella) tried to comfort her as much as possible. But the aggressive cancer proved too painful. On the morning of August 13, 2022, she surrendered and began her transition from earth to Glory with the Lord Jesus beyond all suffering and pain.

Favorite Song: “I Am A Testimony”

Preceding her in death: Her father, Otis Johnson Sr. and Brother, Otis Johnson Jr.

She leaves to mourn her death: her mother, Helen Lewis Johnson; one son. Jumall Johnson Ouvede (Iannella); a stepson, Christopher Stevenson; one daughter, Dannielle Elhennawi (Salah); one stepdaughter, Antoinette Comeaux (Danny), three grandchildren (Olivia, Morgan, and Ameen); three step grandchildren; two sisters, Rev. Dr. Rhenel Johnson and Prophetess Gaila Mitchell Fuller-Bay (Antonio); one brother, Bobby Joseph Johnson; a trusted companion, Lionell Brown; a best friend, Marilyn Maxey (Melvin), and a host of relatives and friends including all the saints who prayed for her while continuing on the Road to Glory.