Isaiah Taylor

Isaiah Taylor, beloved father, brother, cousin, uncle and friend, transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home on January 13, 2023, at the age of 94. Before his death, he was the oldest living descendant of his grandparents the late Bishop J.W. and Ada Taylor.

Isaiah, who was affectionately called Ike, was the second son born to Elijah J. Taylor and Clara Louise Taylor on September 7, 1928, in Douglas, Arizona. In his early childhood, the family moved to Tucson, Arizona upon his father becoming the pastor of Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ. In Tucson, he attended the all-black Dunbar Elementary School, thereafter, attending the desegrated Tucson High School. As a student he distinguished himself as both a scholar and athlete. Determined not to allow the fact he was born with one leg shorter than the other derail his ambitions, Ike excelled as a member of the track team in the high jump.

After graduating from high school, Ike wanted to attend college in Los Angeles, however his father enrolled him at the University of Arizona where he attended one semester. Again, determined to chart his own path, Ike enlisted in the Air Force. During his service, he rose to the rank of Sergeant and became an electrician. Ike honorably served 16 years in the Air Force where he traveled the world from Greenland to Africa. To complete his military career, he served an additional four years in the National Guard.

Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Ike launched several businesses during his time in the military. One of his proudest accomplishments was opening a dry-cleaning business in Cheyenne, Wyoming before leaving the Air Force. A well-rounded man, he was passionate about keeping abreast of the political climate in this country and understanding its impact on the economy and the stock market. A collector of memorabilia, he enjoyed finding interesting pieces from places he visited during his travels. Most notably Ike Taylor was known for his fashion, cars and signature hats.

Ike was married three times. He met and married June Russell, and from this union they shared one child, Kevin. Although the marriage was not permanent, they would remain friends until her death. He later married his second wife Mary Brown in Boston, and they had one child, Rhonda. In his third marriage to Joyce Taylor in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Ike gained two stepsons. Following Joyce’s death, he moved back to Arizona. Desiring to live in a smaller city close to a military base, Ike made Sierra Vista his home. His new home allowed him to remain close to Tucson where his mother and family lived.

Ike loved family and was committed to being there for them. When he moved back to Arizona, he and his youngest sister, Jean who lived in Phoenix would come to Tucson one day a week to take their mother out to lunch. When the biannual Dunbar Elementary School Reunion was held, he would come to Tucson to attend with his cousin Calvin Kelly affectionately known as Scootie. The family enjoyed seeing the two get dressed for the closing Banquet as they would come out and model their outfits for the evening.

While Ike will forever be missed, his family will always be grateful for the love shared and the wonderful defining memories created with him. Ike was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah and Clara Taylor; brothers Elijah and Oscar; his first wife, June Russell; and his third wife, Joyce Taylor. Ike is survived by his son, Kevin Taylor (Mollie); his sister, Mary Robinson; brother, Alden Bertruce Taylor; sister, Ethel Jean Tease; cousin, Jean Kuykendall (who always felt like one of his sisters); his caregiver and friend, Nancy White; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends

A visitation for Isaiah will be held Friday, January 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Funeraria del Angel University, 7 East University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85705. A graveside service will occur Friday, January 20, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 20, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7 East University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85705.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangeltucson.com for the Taylor family.