Lonnie P. Taylor

1958 - 2023

TAYLOR

LONNIE P. TAYLOR

We are deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Lonnie P. Taylor on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, after an extended but heroically-embraced illness.

Born on July 13, 1958 in Washington, DC, to Magdalene S. Taylor and Leroy Hinton Taylor (deceased), Lonnie was a shining and steady inspiration to countless souls. His wise counsel and constant support extended across many generations and virtually every sphere of influence. He was happiest around his family, and his family was happiest around him.

In his early youth, Lonnie was educated in the DC Public Schools. He then briefly attended Gonzaga College High School before attending Mackin Catholic High School, where he graduated with honors. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the George Washington University, and a Juris Doctorate from The Georgetown University Law Center.

Lonnie's interest in national politics sparked at a very early age, when he first began working in the office of U.S. Senator Jacob K. Javits (R-NY) as a high school intern. Sen. Javits personally took him under his wing, and hired Lonnie while he finished his senior year of high school. Lonnie continued to work for Sen. Javits while pursuing his business degree from George Washington University, and upon graduation, began working as a Senior Legislative Assistant for Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) while attending Georgetown Law School at night. Continuing to elevate in seniority across Capitol Hill, Lonnie became Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Jack Buechner (R-MO). Lonnie also served with distinction in the Presidential Administration of George H.W. Bush, as a senior administrator for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs in the General Services Administration.

Lonnie's remarkable accomplishments in the public sector led him toward a variety of leadership positions in the business, legal, and executive search industries. He served as Senior Vice President of Congressional and Public Affairs and Chief Lobbyist at the U.S. Chamber Commerce, Vice President of External Affairs at Sprint Nextel, Vice President of Federal and State Relations at Nextel, Co-chair of the Government Relations Practice of the law firm of Powell Goldstein, Managing Partner of the executive search firm of Heidrick & Struggles, Managing Director at Boyden Global Executive Search, Managing Director and lead of the Government Relations and Public Sector Practice for Diversified Search, President & CEO of the National Jobs Corps Association, and a variety of other significant positions. Lonnie's work ethic was unparalleled, as was his driving desire to provide guidance, sustenance, support, and a "leg-up" to those in need, particularly the disenfranchised and the unseen, as well as young people who were just beginning their careers.

Lonnie was deeply involved in a number of civic and community organizations, serving in various leadership capacities. He served as Chairman of the Boards of Youth Service of America and the Washington Area Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, as well as a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Social Service USA, The Washington Scholarship Fund, the Bryce Harlow Institute of Business and Government Affairs.

But for Lonnie, family always came first. He and his wife Kristin raised two beautiful children together, Lonnie Paul Taylor II and Mary Elizabeth Taylor, both of whom grew into loving, responsible adults and who will, always and forever, remain a source of deep parental pride.

Lonnie was equally committed to (and fiercely protect of) his large extended family of thirteen siblings, all of whom were raised and nurtured by his proud and incredibly regal mother, Magdalene S. Taylor, the miraculous family matriarch who, at 95, remains a constant and unwavering source of strength and grace. He is also survived by several generations of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as legions of loyal friends throughout the nation and across the globe.

Our Lonnie will forever be remembered for his quick smile, his brilliant mind, his large heart, his contagious laugh … and for singing the made-up lyrics to his favorite songs in a loud and happy voice, for all to hear.

Finally, ultimately, Lonnie was a man of God, deeply fortified by his faith and grounded in the glory of our Lord and Savior. This unwavering faith is what gave grace, mercy, and perfect peace to his final transition. Now our Lonnie is free, forever wrapped in everlasting and absolute joy.

Lonnie P. Taylor lived his life beautifully. And it will be this beautiful life we will celebrate with boundless joy and immense gratitude on Friday, June 23, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, Washington, DC. Visitation: 9 a.m. Funeral Service: 10 a.m.

If desired, family and friends may send flowers to St. Matthew's Cathedral, or make a memorial contribution to the Georgetown University Black Law Students Association by going to https://bit.ly/DonateToGULawInMemoryOfLonniePTaylor. (Scroll down to select "Other," and indicate "Georgetown University Black Law Student Association, in memory of Lonnie P. Taylor.")

www.mcguire-services.com