Lillian Anita (Bloxson) Taylor

Lillian A. Taylor, known as Anita or Nita by those close to her, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 20, 2023, at the age of 80. She was born the third child of seven on November 12, 1943, to the late Lula Mae and Joe Bloxson, Sr., in Pensacola, Florida. Anita graduated from Washington Sr. High School in 1960 in Pensacola, Florida. She went on to cosmetology school and then worked as a cosmetologist for a few years before going to Pensacola Junior College to learn filing and shorthand. She met Charles Taylor, a Navy sailor, in Pensacola, Florida, and later married him on December 23, 1965. Through the Navy, they lived all over, including Nevada and California. They moved to Rhode Island and later to Bermuda, where she worked as a cashier at the Navy Exchange and later at the bowling alley. In the last duty station transfer, Anita followed her husband to Virginia in 1976 where they settled in Virginia Beach. She became a longtime member of Rock Church International and rededicated her life to the Lord in 1982. Anita became very involved at the church and shared her passion of The Word through teaching children in Sunday School through dramatic and interactive lessons. She further embraced her love of children by serving as a cook at KinderCare Learning Center for over 2 decades. Anita had a joyous spirit and loved to laugh, play practical jokes and have fun. She was an avid bowler and loved a good game of Scrabble or Yahtzee. She also enjoyed baking and earned the beloved nickname “Aunt Cookie” for the delicious homemade treats she sent to family during the holidays. Anyone who has had a conversation with Anita knows that she dearly loved her family. She adored her husband and cherished her daughters and granddaughter. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her. She is survived by her husband of almost 58 years, Charles M. Taylor; daughters, Charlene R. Taylor (Abel), and Erica J. Taylor; granddaughter, Hawi Abel Taylor; sisters, Gloria Jackson, Maggie Zealey, Valerie Rankins (Charles); brother, Alonzo Bloxson (Gyra); aunt, Carolyn Bailey (Hank); sister-in-law, Marianna Emory, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A visitation for Anita will be held Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462. A a celebration of life will occur Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Rock Church, 640 Kempsville Rd,, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464. A burial will occur Friday, December 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM at A. G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, Virginia 23434.