Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Taylor Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Taylor
Dr. Eva Diane Lyle-Smith, Adjunct Faculty; Lincoln University of PA, Dept.
October 25, 2024
Years are passing but, your memory will never be forgotten by me, Dr. John A. Taylor. Thanks for all that you have done for me over the decades when you were here. And, now I am happy to write that my dissertation turned book titled, Nathaniel Clark Smith: Pioneer American Music Educator was published by the Austin Macauley Company of Wall St., NY and it is circulating throughout the United States and Canada.
I will always remember you and your teachings to me and other band/music students at Hampton (Institute) University in VA.
Continue with your rest, Sir!
From Former Hampton Pirate Music Education, Band and Trumpet Student, Dr. Eva Diane Lyle-Smith of St. Louis, MO (now living in Philadelphia, PA)
Dr. Eva Diane Lyle-Smith
October 27, 2023
You are forever in my memory Dr. John A. Taylor. Thanks for being a great teacher who helped others in their music careers, especially me. My dissertation turn book on Nathaniel Clark Smith: Pioneer American Music Educator will be published very soon out of New York. I will make sure that Dr. Barbara Taylor, your wife, will receive your copy. Continue to rest peacefully in God's care my friend.
Dr. Eva Diane Lyle-Smith
October 25, 2022
Hello Again Dr. John Taylor,
I am at the final stages of getting my dissertation published into book form through the Austin Macauley Publishing Company out of Wall Street NY. The title is, Nathaniel Clark Smith: Pioneer American Music Educator.
Your name is in my acknowledgement, of course. I wanted to make sure that you were mentioned in that section because you were so instrumental in me finishing the work.
May God continue to bless your family and continue your rest peacefully with God.
You were the best and I still miss you dearly!
From your former Hampton Band Student and Trumpeter,
Dr. Eva Diane Lyle-Smith from Philadelphia, PA and St. Louis, MO.
Dr. Marian Brown
October 28, 2021
Hello Barbara. We were at I U together. Your late husband had a stellar career. I remember him as always being quietly effective at IU. He shared some great info with me that helped me through IU. It was about the Southern
Fellowships Fund.
Again please accept my sincere sympathy at the passing of a special humanbeing. Sincerely.
Dr. E. Diane Lyle-Smith
October 25, 2021
You are gone Dr. Taylor but, never forgotten. Continue to rest peacefully my dear teacher friend.
From Your Former Music Student at Hampton (Institute) University.
Dr. Eva Diane Lyle-Smith, Trumpeter/Flugelhornist, Band Director and Music Educator
Dr. Marian Tally Simmons Brown
July 6, 2021
Dear. Barbara, just today I learned of the passing of John. It has been more than 30 years since we communicated. I remember you as very talented and John as quietly effective as a student at Indiana University during the 70's. I was so impressed with John's committment to study. He was very helpful to sharing information that helped me secure financial assistance during my graduate studies. My most sincere condolence to you and your family. May the spirit of John rest in eternal peace.
Dr. Marian Tally Simmons Brown
Dr. Eva Diane Lyly-Smith
October 25, 2020
Hello Again Dr. John Taylor,
It's me, one of your favorite students of music speaking to you from earth. Thank you so very much for your service to students in music. If love could have saved you, you would have never died. Your teachings and humanitarian spirit continues to influence me. I am honored to have crossed paths with you in my life as an aspiring musician. Your teachings are what I still use in the classroom with other students. Again, thank you Dr. John Taylor for being a significant person in my music educational life. Yes, this is my forty-first year in teaching music professionally and I attribute much of that longevity to you, my high school band directors and above all, to God. He is the director of life. If you get a chance, please say hello to my high school band directors for me. Keep Jamming!
Until next time, Peace and Rest in the arms of God!!!
Dr. Eva Diane Lyle-Smith
October 25, 2019
I wonder if you are directing bands, performing on the trumpet and arranging heavenly music up there, Dr. John A. Taylor. Your presence is still with me! And, thanks for your musical support through my years as a student of music.
From Dr. Eva Diane Lyle-Smith, Your Former Hampton University Music Student and President of Bands.
Zelma Bratcher-Armstrong
December 15, 2013
Dr. Barbara Taylor
I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Taylor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I often think back on our times at Hampton and the support I received from you and Dr. Taylor, I wish all of you well and God's tender mercy be with all of you.
Selma Bratcher-Armstrong
November 30, 2013
It is very hard for me to accept that I will not be able to call Dr. John A. Taylor on the phone or see him in this world again. He has been a constant in my life for over forty years. Based on a scale, Dr. John A. Taylor ranked 9 out of 8 of the smartest people I have ever known. He was the son of a preacher, a gentle man who loved his family, and who was a tireless worker. Forever researching and exploring the depths of music, he was a renaissance man. One of a kind who loved life. He helped so many as he traveled along. His living was not in vain. May strength and peace ease the pain of his family and mine. I will be eternally grateful for his words of wisdom and intelligence. A true gift from God. Rest peacefully my friend and beloved music teacher. Thanks for crossing my path in life. Your memory will be everlasting for me.
Peace, from your former band student who toured in Hampton Institute's Band in the US Virgin Islands; Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts; and, Carnegie Hall under your baton, Dr. E. Diane Lyle-Smith. I won't say goodbye, but, I will say goodnight!!!
Gloria Dohman
November 19, 2013
John Taylor was a fine man and a credit to the profession. His quiet and confident approach was a model for us all. Gloria Dohman
Duane Dunn
November 18, 2013
John was very helpful to Manhattan Area Technical College in Manhattan, KS as we moved through candidacy for accrediation. I appreciated his insight, humor, and integrity. Duane Dunn
Patricia Hardaway
November 18, 2013
The Wilberforce University Comunity of Scholars is saddened and are simultaneously appreciative of Dr. Taylor's life long commitment to excellence in higher education. His legacy for all of us is to expect the best from ourselves, our colleagues and our students. Thank you to the family for sharing Dr. Taylor with us.
Patricia L. Hardaway, J.D., President,
Wilberforce University
Linda Samson
November 15, 2013
I will remember John Taylor for his professionalism, guidance, support, and willingness to go that extra mile.
Kathie Gilbert
November 15, 2013
John was a professional and caring human being. He was always there to help. My condolences to his family. Kathie Gilbert
George Herts
November 15, 2013
Condolences, he was a great mentor.
Richard Butler
November 15, 2013
I am deeply saddened by John's passing. He was a mentor and a friend to me. I will forever be grateful to him for his guidance and friendship.
Marianne Inman
November 15, 2013
News of John's passing saddened me greatly. I shall always hold him in the highest regard and feel privileged to have known him and worked with him. Blessings to Barbara and all his family.
Marcia Bankirer
November 15, 2013
Condolences abound. My fondest memories of John's professionalism and sage advice will keep his memory alive.
Bernie Ivers
November 7, 2013
John Taylor was one of the finest men I have ever known and worked with.... he was a treasure that will be missed... sympathies to Barbara and his loving family ... may you all find comfort in your many fond memories of this lovely man
Helene Webster-Richardson
November 3, 2013
What a pleasure it has been to know Drs. John and Barbara Taylor while they were living in Jefferson City. I was privileged to serve as organist and pianist for a portion of Dr. John's time as choir director at Community Christian Church. He was an insightful interpreter/arranger of sacred choral music who inspired us to create service music which led to greater worship. He has been greatly missed at CCC and our hearts are heavy for this great loss. Surely he is leading the music in the heavenly spheres. It must be glorious! Our prayers go out to all his family and many friends and colleagues.
Sharon Clifford
November 1, 2013
My son and I were ever so lucky to have Dr. Taylor as our choir director at Community Christian Church in Jefferson City. My son went on to sing at the University of Missouri and it has been a great joy in his life and mine. Actually, singing changed my son's life and we owe much of that to Dr. Taylor. Words cannot express our gratitude and sorrow. Truly a gentleman and a scholar.
Randolph McCleary
October 31, 2013
My sympathies and condolences to the Taylor family. I took trumpet lessons from Dr. Taylor in the early 1980's and he taught me many things about music, and life, that have helped me every day since then.
Charlie Nelms
October 31, 2013
What a loss! John was a wonderful professional and human being. I am delighted to be able to call if my friend. My condolences to Barbara.
October 31, 2013
Dr. Taylor was my Band Director and Professor when I was a student at Hampton Institute. He was one of the best Professors I have ever had. I have nothing but the highest respect for him. May GOD bless his soul.
Dr. Clarence W. Thomas
October 31, 2013
We were saddened to learn of Dr.Taylor's death.Take comfort in God's promise to swallow up death forever-Isiaiah 25:8.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in John Taylor's name
Memorial Events
for John Taylor
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Taylor's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
