DeLois Beverly Taylor

DeLois Beverly Taylor, (née Stovall), born on September 25, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, in her hometown at the age of 95. A devoted educator and woman of enduring faith, she left a lasting legacy through her compassion, dedication, and joyful spirit.

The beloved daughter of Smith Stovall and Maggie Brock Stovall, DeLois was raised in Kansas City where she began her education at R.T. Coles Elementary School. She graduated from Lincoln High School in the class of 1947 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Home Economics (1952) from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. DeLois met Booker T. Taylor, Jr. at Lincoln University. Married on November 24, 1951, they welcomed the birth of two daughters, Carmen Denise and Valerie Jo in 1953 and 1956, respectively.

DeLois dedicated 36 years of her life to teaching within the Kansas City Public Schools system. She taught fourth and fifth grade students at D.A. Holmes, Woodland, and Whittier elementary schools. Her commitment to nurturing young minds earned her recognition from Senator Danforth—an honor that reflected the deep impact she had on generations of students.

Outside the classroom, DeLois embraced life with creativity and warmth. She enjoyed crocheting and ceramics, crafting beautiful pieces that reflected her artistic sensibility. Music brought her great joy—she loved listening to it, dancing to it, and sharing those vibrant moments with others. A skilled bridge player, she relished many spirited games with her Ladies Bridge Club in Kansas City.

Her appreciation for the arts led her to attend performances at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre and jazz concerts at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Travel was another passion that brought her happiness. Among her most treasured journeys were an Alaskan cruise with family, a Hawaiian cruise with her husband Booker, a trip to Puerto Vallarta for her granddaughter’s wedding, a Caribbean cruise with fellow Lincoln University alumni, as well as visits to Branson, Albuquerque, and Los Angeles.

Faith was central to DeLois’ life. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was a long-standing member of Paseo Baptist Church in Kansas City before later attending Graceway Church in Raytown. In recent years, she received spiritual care and comfort through regular visits from the St. Croix Hospice chaplain.

DeLois is lovingly remembered and cherished by her two daughters: Carmen Taylor Foster and Valerie Taylor Hopkins (Starling); five grandchildren (Marcus, Crystal, Carlton, Adrianna and Taylor); seven greatgrandchildren; younger sister Gloria Whittington of Detroit; nephew Don Holt of St. Louis; sisters-in-law Shirley Platt, Maedell Davis of Chicago, Virginia Taylor, Cynthia Harris; brother-in-law Millard Taylor and other relatives and friends.

She now joins in eternal rest her husband Booker T. Taylor, Jr.; parents Smith Stovall and Maggie Brock Stovall; brother Harold Caldwell; and sisters Emma Lou Allen and Gladys Holt.

A private family inurnment will take place on August 21, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM at Leavenworth National Cemetery located at 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, Kansas.

Visitation will be held on August 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Park Lawn Funeral Home & Chapel located at 8251 Hillcrest Road in Kansas City. A Celebration of Life will follow from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the same location.

Surely, her memory will live on through all who were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and enduring spirit. May her legacy continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.