Merilyn Alsop Preston Taylor

TAYLOR, MERILYN ALSOP PRESTON October. 22, 1934 - April 26, 2010 Our beloved and dearly departed Merilyn was born to F. Mason Alsop Sr. and Martha "Peggy" Chinn Alsop in Washington, D.C. at Freedmen's Hospital in 1934 when Women of color were not allowed to bear children in an Annapolis hospital. An otherwise native Annapolitan, she attended Stanton School, graduated from Bates High School and continued her education at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She remained in Washington where she married and bore 3 children to James A. Preston Sr. before moving back to Annapolis where she later met her second husband and soul-mate, Robert Lee Taylor. While in D.C., Merilyn taught school and continued as a substitute teacher in Annapolis. She worked for the Office of Economic Opportunity in the sixties and many odd jobs before landing a position with the Anne Arundel County Dept. of Public Works as Maryland's first female plant operator in the 70's. After 28 years of service, (having earned the respect and camaraderie of her colleagues and supervisors) Merilyn retired in 2002 as a highly decorated Sr. Waste Water Management Operator. Merilyn inherited her love of the water, swam like a fish, made sure her children did too, and lived and worked and vacationed within 2 miles of it most of her life. Merilyn touched many with her generous spirit. There was little she wouldn't do for someone in need, were it in her power which was exemplified near and far. One of her favorite charities was Save the Children and she had the picture of her African child framed and on top of the TV for all to embrace. She was a patient listener and her boisterous laugh filled the hearts of people privileged to know her. To know her was to love her. Her door was open to strays of all ilk, including people, dogs and cats. She is known as "Ma" to many. She was most content when those she loved were! Merilyn is survived by husband, Robert L. Taylor, sister and brother-in law, Gretchen & Don Clark, children Scott, Dominique and James Preston, Robin Waters, William, Nacole and Robert Taylor Jr., sister-in-law, Agnes Scott Preston, aunt, Marguerite Chinn Robinson, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews grandchildren, greatgrands, , and surrogates! Memorial Services will be held Monday, May 3rd, 11am at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 333 Dubois Rd, Annapolis with repast immediately following service