William "Cookie" Edgar Taylor

William “Cookie” Taylor was born in Chicago, Illinois, December 3, 1936, To Peter and Madie Lee Coleman-Taylor. Those of us who knew Cookie well, realized that he was a very special person. Cookie came to Los Angeles, California in July of 1942 with his father and older brother Peter Jr. His mother and his two sisters, Beverly and Lorenza, and baby brother Raymond followed 3 weeks later. The family then completed their journey from Los Angeles to La Jolla, California to join maternal grandfather Edgar Coleman. Harold “Butch” Taylor completed the family in June, 1946.

After completing his education Cookie met and married Marian Christine Spence on October 26, 1956. Cookie and Marion had three children. Terri Lynn, born May 06, 1957, Karen Rene, born June 8, 1958 and Mark William, born September 10, 1960. Cookie was a proud father. He loved his children and was very happy to spend time with them.

Cookie was a hard worker throughout his life. He worked 29 years for the City of San Diego in sanitation during the day. He received a medical retirement from the City of San Diego in May of 1985. Cookie continued working his night job as a cook at Bully’s restaurant. He would spend a total of 32 years between Bully’s La Jolla and Del Mar locations. Cookie and Marion divorced in 1970. Their daughter Karen Rene became ill and passed away August 11, 2009.

Cookie continued living in La Jolla. He often did barbeques feeding many of his Draper Street neighbors and his family. Cookie also had Hispanic neighbors that spoke little English and as a result, he learned to speak Spanish well.

Cookie met Carolyn Barbara Jean Miller in 1971. They became partners and shared life together along with her son Joel age 6 and daughter Lisa age 5. Eventually Cookie moved his family to Bay Park. Their child William Edgar Taylor Jr, “Buddha” was born September 9, 1973.

Barbara fell ill and after an extended battle with that illness, Barbara passed December 4, 1997. Cookie and Buddha continued to live in Bay Park until Buddha moved away 2020. Cookie enjoyed all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren when they came to visit, he spent much time with them,

Alexander Taylor, Emre Taylor-Wilson and son Elijah W Miller McClain,

Danielle Riann Miller, Brooklyn Janielle Miller, Dejon J. Miller Blaine,

Kaila B. McClain, Brianne A Mack, Cienna M. Solis,

Karter Prince Vaughn, Kaari Paris Vaughn,

Cookie enjoyed many of his 33 nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. His family visited him regularly. He spent much of his off time with them. Cookie often barbequed in his backyard. Several of his nephews and nieces enjoyed learning how to cook like him. His family called him the “Barbeque King.”

Cookie was loved by many in his community. He ran a football pool for many years, that he continued to handle almost to his end. His neighbors still regularly stop by his home in Bay Park to talk about Cookie.

As Cookies’ battle with illness intensified, Joel and Jennifer took time away from their work to care for him. Joel took Cookie to all his medical appointments. Cookie worked well with his caregivers, given his easy-going nature, as he made efforts to increase his strength and make himself able to get around his home without help. Joel ensured all of Cookie’s home needs were met, Dana prepared excellent meals for Cookie and his family and Jennifer provided the home care that Cookie needed so he could be home as long as possible.

Raymond and Lorenza would like to give special thanks to Joel Miller, Dana Miller and Jennifer Phillips. Joel for his unending love of their brother.