Lillian Taylor

Lillian Fulwilder Leonard Taylor was born on April 15, 1940 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Chester and Mary Everette Fulwilder. Lillian passed away peacefully on April 13, 2020 at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Queens, NY due to complications from Covid-19.

Lillian was educated in the New York City Public School System. Upon graduation from Prospect Heights High School in 1958, Lillian went to work for the New York Telephone Company. Lillian met James Russel ‘Lefty’ Leonard Jr. and they married in May 1960. To this union they were blessed with a son, James. James R. Leonard Jr. preceded her in death in 1963.

Lillian enjoyed travelling and left New York in 1963 to visit with her sister Marian Squire in the beautiful country of Bermuda. It was during this period that she met Ronald Paynter. To this union they were blessed with a daughter, Cecelia. Ronald Paynter preceded her in death in 1977

Lillian returned to New York in 1974. She was employed at Little Lisa, Inc., a fabric manufacturer located in the heart of New York City’s garment district, until her retirement in 2005. Lillian met Earl ‘Bill’ Taylor and they married in 1977. Included in this union were Lillian’s two children, James and Cecelia who Earl raised as if they were his own.

Lillian was a long and faithful member of The Church of St. Charles Borromeo RCC, Harlem, NY. She attended services faithfully each week alongside her husband Earl. Lillian cared a lot about her neighbors and was very active in the 138th Street - Strivers Row - Block Association. Lillian loved baseball. You would often find Lillian and Earl enjoying a game on a quiet Sunday afternoon. She loved walking and enjoyed many walks with Earl throughout their neighborhood.

Lillian, along with her constant partner Earl, loved traveling or cruising together in and out of the U.S. seeking new adventures and different cultural experiences. Lillian LOVED to dance to just about any genre of music - anytime - anywhere! She is known for her dance moves and for outlasting everyone on the floor - given the opportunity. Her life partner, Earl, preceded her in death in 2014.

In 2015, Lillian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As her condition impaired her quality of life, Lillian became a resident of Sunrise Senior Living - Sheepshead Bay. Lillian was embraced and very much loved in her retirement community.

Lillian was a very courageous and phenomenal woman who touched many lives in many different ways and gestures. Despite the circumstances she always remained positive, strong in spirit, persevered and served as an example of what strength is. She will be fondly remembered as a much-loved wife and mother, cherished grandmother, adored sister, and dear friend. Her kindness to others, love for adventure, her laughter and vivacious personality will be greatly missed.

Lillian leaves behind to cherish her memories: her loving children James (Sharon) Leonard, Virginia Beach, VA and Cecelia (Curtis) Bolden, Chicago, IL; and her precious grandchildren Jaelan Leonard, James H. Leonard, Avery Bolden and Malcolm Bolden. She is also survived by her adoring siblings; sisters: Betty Fredericks, Queens, NY, Marion Squire (Tommie), Bermuda, brother, Chester ‘Sonny’ Fulwilder(Soheyla), Los Angeles, CA, and a host of relatives, neighbors, and dear friends. A sister, Barbara F. Johnson, preceded her in death.

When you think of Lillian, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest.

The family would like to extend gratitude to the administration and staff of: Sunrise Senior Living- Sheepshead Bay, The Promenade Rehabilitation Center -Far Rockaway and St. Joseph’s Episcopal Hospital - Queens, NY for their care and support.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family