Barbara Ann Warren Taylor

Barbara Taylor

Barbara Ann Warren Taylor, a devoted mother, inspiring educator and resilient matriarch, passed away after a life rich in dedication to her family, community and faith.

Born in Brunswick to Lavorgia Warren and Pearl Singleton Warren, Barbara attended Risley High School. As a child, she grew up going to St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in her hometown, setting the stage for a spiritual life that would sustain her.

She later married Marvin Taylor and moved to Long Beach, California. The couple had seven children, John, who died in infancy, Marvin Jr., Brian, the twins, Jeffrey and Jennifer, Gregory and Veronica. After her marriage ended, Barbara's courage shone brightest as she dedicated herself to raising her six surviving children. She succeeded with the indispensable help of dear friends, including Delores "Lois" Thomas, Pete Anderson, Mr. Elmo and Ms. Daisy.

Barbara's journey from working as a housekeeper and taxi driver to becoming a respected teacher is a true testament to her perseverance. While working as an instructional assistant at Highland and Laurel elementary schools in Oakland, she had a pivotal encounter at a parent meeting with Superintendent Marcus Foster. Inspired by his encouragement for parents to return to school, she made a life-changing decision.

She enrolled in higher education, earning her Associate of Arts degree from Merritt College. She went on to fulfill Foster's promise - and her own - by achieving a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching certificate from San Francisco State University. She taught at Whittier Elementary School, where her passion and hard-earned experience made her a highly respected figure among colleagues and students.

In the mid-1980s, she joined Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she remained a faithful and dedicated member. Her life was a powerful example to family and community that education is the ultimate pathway to opportunity.

Barbara is presented in death by her infant son, John Taylor; her parents, Lavorgia and Pearl Warren; her sisters, Alice Jones and Delores Dublin; and her brother, Lavorgia Warren.

Her memory will be forever cherished by her remaining children, Marvin Jr., Brian, Jeffrey (and daughter-in-law, Tonia Wells Taylor), Jennifer, Gregory and Veronica.

She leaves behind a vibrant legacy through her 15 grandchildren, Wendell Bullock, Janae Smith, Shomari Robinson, Tiesha Taylor, Brittany Taylor, Tamika Taylor, Miranda Taylor, Rashia Taylor, Jamila Taylor, Tyra Taylor, Gionna Taylor, Gregory Taylor Jr., Genesis Taylor, Destiny Taylor and Yasmin Taylor; as well as a host of great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her siblings, Julia Crosby, Evelyn West, Pearlie Mae Vanterpool, Ruth Warren and Charles Warren; sister-in-law, Betty Warren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Her courage and love remain the cornerstones of the family she built.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Veronica Taylor, 2845 73rd Ave., Oakland, CA 94605

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, October 9, 2025