Sheila Phyllis Irene Taylor

Sheila was born on September 11, 1932, the second daughter of Alex and Charlotte Connon – a sister to Isabel. She entered the world in dramatic fashion (in the back of a taxi at Portage and Main) in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she was helped into the world by her father who caught her. Her brother, Doug, was born in 1939 in the same year the family transferred to Vancouver where her father worked with The Bay.

The family attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and Sheila was involved in the children’s choir, Sunday school teaching and children’s clubs. In 1943, the family moved to W 26th St. and that is where Sheila met Helen Pease. Sheila remembers milk and vegetables being delivered to the door – even in winter. She babysat neighbourhood children in order to earn money for a bicycle.

On August 6, 1946, Sheila’s mother passed away, her dad remarried a year later, and sister Diane was added to the family. Sheila graduated in 1950 and worked for Royal Columbian Hospital. The following year, she went to Briercrest Bible School in Saskatchewan and graduated in 1954. At Briercrest, she began a relationship with Charles Taylor, was engaged June 27, 1953, married August 13, 1954, and it was there the Lord spoke to both of them about serving in Ecuador with Gospel Missionary Union.

After three years in Ecuador, the couple moved to Del Rio, Texas and served there two more years before returning to Canada. They were there when President Kennedy was assassinated. Travelling would become part of their life after retirement and they enjoyed trips to Brazil, Israel, the United Kingdom, Alaska and Kenya (where their son Jack was a missionary).

The Taylors had five children during their travels. Jack and Steve, born in Vancouver. Kathy, born in Ecuador. Bryan, born in Texas. Gerry, born in Vancouver. Sheila was busy looking after her children and volunteering in her church, Faith Baptist. She served in the women’s mission circle, hospitality, and in children’s work. Her faith was always a priority in her life as she attended Bible studies and prayer meetings.

In 2010, Charles and Sheila sold their home and moved into Shannon Oaks. Both of them were active in their new home with Sheila showing her skills in carpet bowling and the putting green. She actively assisted those who needed attention and enjoyed her conversations at meal times with many new friends.

Charles preceded Sheila into heaven in 2020. Sheila slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus on her 91st birthday, September 11, 2023. She was forever grateful for those who walked with her in this journey of life.

Sheila leaves behind her sisters Isabel and Diane plus brother Doug. She also leaves her children Jack (Gayle), Stephen (Dorothy), Kathy (Leon), Bryan, Gerry (Nancy). She also leaves 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Absent from the body and present with the Lord.

All are invited to a memorial service for Sheila at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church (next door), 2551 E. 49th Ave, Vancouver, BC on November 25th at 1 pm.

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