Ethel Josephine (Curtis) Taylor

On April 5, 2024, Ethel Josephine Curtis Taylor was called to her Heavenly Home. Her life began on November 16, 1942, as the daughter of the late Alphonso and Blanche Curtis, in Newport News, Virginia. She was the fourth of seven children.

At an early age, she accepted Christ and joined Rising Sun Baptist Church.  Later in life, she joined hands in fellowship with Saint John Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia.

"Ms. Ethel", as she was affectionately called, was educated in the Newport News public schools.  Although her education was delayed due to raising her children, through perseverance, she continued her education and received her General Education Diploma, on March 8, 1988.

Mrs. Taylor was employed with the Colonial Williamsburg Hotel Properties, Inc., for twenty-five years working as a Host and Server at the Williamsburg Lodge. She was also a Union Steward who represented and defended the interests of fellow employees. That means she was a protector and negotiator. She also worked at the Williamsburg Drugstore. 

Mrs. Taylor was married to the late Charles Roland Taylor.  This union was blessed with five children. She was devoted to the welfare and happiness of her family.

Mrs. Taylor loved the Lord.  She was a Christian who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She had an open-door policy with the kids and families in the Carver Garden neighborhood. She just loved everyone. She loved to read, attend family gatherings, and dance and listen to music that she could groove to. She was a quiet lady with a sense of humor and was well-respected in her community. Throughout her life, she was an independent humble person who was always grateful and blessed. Ms. Ethel touched the lives of others in the Carver Garden community in numerous ways. She has left a legacy in the Carver Garden neighborhood for seventy years from 1954 to 2024. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. God blessed her in this life and may He continue to bless her in His Kingdom!  Amen. 

Mrs.Taylor is preceded in death by her brothers, Alphonso Curtis and John Curtis; and sister Shirley B. Curtis Echoles. 

Ms. Ethel's memories and legacy will forever live in the lives of her children, Regina Elizabeth Williams (George), Charles Roland Taylor Jr. Kelvin Curtis Taylor (Monica), Tracy Langdon Taylor, and Ronnie Nolan Taylor; grandchildren, Keisha Santos, Charles Roland Taylor III, Jazmine Green, Dominic Taylor, Anthony Taylor, Kelvin Taylor Jr., Brandon Taylor, and Adrian Taylor;  great-grandchildren; sisters, Patricia Curtis and Jean Curtis Washington; brother, Clifford Curtis (Rosa); and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A service to celebrate Ms. Ethel's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2024, at St. John Baptist Church. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Mrs. Taylor may be viewed from 12:00 p.m. until the hour of her service in the church.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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