Germaine Sean Harley

Germaine Sean Harley, age 43, passed away on September 27, 2021, at Fairview Middle School. His final hours were spent doing one of the things he loved most, sharing his vast span of knowledge with others. He was born May 15, 1978, in Tallahassee, Florida to Vicki Harley-Taggart and Kelvin Harley. While born in Tallahassee, Germaine was raised and lived in Las Cruces, NM with his mom and dad, Vicki and Bill Taggart, for nearly 40 years.

Germaine’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understand that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. His infectious smile, loud laugh, big kid moments, and hugs brought so much to his family, friends, colleagues, and students.

Germaine graduated from Onate High School. He continued his education at New Mexio State University, where he played football, and received a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Secondary Instruction. Germaine was a beloved teacher and coach. He had the opportunities to spread his vast knowledge to students at Sierra Middle School (Las Cruces NM), The New America School – Las Cruces (Las Cruces, NM), and Fairview Middle School (Tallahassee, FL). While at Onate HS, Germaine was a multi-sport, highly decorated athlete, and he was named the Glen Howell Educator of the Year at Fairview Middle School (2020 – 2021). Germaine only lived in Tallahassee for a short time, yet he was an avid FSU fan, and he enjoyed fishing at the beach.

Germaine is survived by his longtime love, Janae Graves (Midway, FL), his fur babies IV, Nickel, and Purrl; his father, Bill Taggart (Panama City, FL); brother, Robert Taggart (Panama City, FL); sisters, Dionne Davis (Kelvin), Kim Davis, Samekia Davis-Oliver, Stephanie Harley-Crittenden, Timika Harley-Thomas (Deshaun), Kimberly Morgan, Constance Williams (Tony), Yolanda Bostic (Carl); brother Cedric Johnson (Tallahassee, FL), aunt Patricia Sanchez (Frank) (Albuquerque, NM); maternal grandparent, Jane Mills (Monticello, FL) and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Germaine’s love also extended to close friends, Kyle Dwyer (Albuquerque, NM), Eric Bransford (Las Cruces, NM), Zoe Dorsey (Tallahassee, FL) and his Texas family, Debbra Slaughter and Nevaeh Simien (Hutto, TX).

He was proceeded in death by his father Kelvin Harley; mother, Vicki Harley-Taggart; brother Rick Harley, maternal grandfather, William Mills; paternal grandparents, Julia Nims-Knowles, Ulysses Harley; Uncle Kenneth Harley, step- grandparents, Robert Taggart, Martha B. Taggart.

Germaine was fortunate enough to have a circle of loved ones to receive and give love to. He was one of the kindest people and would always do for others before he took care of himself. We will miss the hugs. We will miss the ringing of his singing voice. We will miss the way that he loved to joke and play around with everyone. We will miss the kind neighbor. We will miss the teacher, the coach. Yet, we will never forget the nontangible gifts that Germaine leaves behind.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 4 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308.