Evelyn Bernice Taylor

Evelyn Bernice Haynes Spencer Taylor was born November 18, 1931 in Houston, Texas, the daughter of the late Moses and Daisy Haynes Sr. She attended Booker T. Washington Senior High School.  Her family and friends affectionately called her "Bernice."

Bernice accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Rev. G.R. Alford at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.  Bernice was an avid reader, and, took pride in her appearance, always maintaining her hair, fingernails and makeup.  She decided to comb her two younger sisters' hair to help her mother, which they did not appreciate as children but as adults they cherished the memories.

Bernice was a devoted mother to her six children.  She separated from her husband, but with the unwavering support of her family, Bernice created a nurturing environment for her children., She instilled in them the importance of faith,, reading bible stories from her giant bible with colorful pictures, teaching them the books of the Bible, making sure they attended Sunday school, and church every Sunday, kneeling and prayed for everyone daily. While raising her children, Bernice worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She balanced motherhood with her education, attending business school at night and graduating with honors.  Her work paid off when she was hired as a clerk in Houston Independent School District (H.I.S.D.).  For the first time, she was required to use her legal first name, "Evelyn."  Later, she secured a secretary position.  Bernice worked in H.I.S.D. for 16 years while working part time as a sales clerk at Foleys Department Store. (Macy's).  After leaving H.I.S.D., Bernice became the first Black editor of the Sign Department at Foleys. She worked fulltime at Foley's for 16 years.

On December 17, 1977, Bernice married the love of her life, Jewel Taylor.  They shared 20 precious years together.  She united with Jewel's church, Second Cavalcade, but later returned to Greater Mt. Zion, and Jewel joined with her.  Sis. Taylor taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and mentored junior ushers as a Matron.  Her students learned not only about Jesus, but also about the "Three Ls": Look, Listen and Learn.  When Greater Mt. Zion relocated, Sis. Taylor united with Progressive Baptist Church where she attended faithfully until her health failed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Moses and Daisy Haynes Sr.; her husband, Jewel Taylor, brothers: Moses Haynes Jr., William Haynes Sr, sister, Dorothy Horn, and son, David Spencer.

Her memory will live in the hearts of her family, including her two loving sisters: Theresa Haynes of Los Angeles, CA., and Beatrice Chatman (Melva, Jr.) of Houston, TX., her devoted children: Henry Spencer Jr., Brenda Awoyefa (Ifakorede), George Spencer Sr., Doretha Spencer (Lionel), Richard Spencer Sr, as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Evelyn Bernice Taylor departed this life December 7, 2024. Visitation Saturday December 21, 2024, from 10-11am. Funeral 11am. Services will be held at Progressive MBC. 944 Reverand B.J. Lewis Dr. Interment Paradise North Cemetery.