Dr. Olivia Taylor

Olivia Taylor departed this life peacefully and was surrounded by loved ones on November 24, 2022. Olivia was born on November 22, 1949, in Decatur, Illinois, the beautiful daughter of Ford and Predency (Helm) Taylor. After the passing of her father, she was raised and loved by William S. Rogers, Sr. She was the oldest of William and Predency’s seven children. In that position of birth, Olivia was “The Boss” and she kept her siblings in line. Growing up, Olivia loved school! She was an avid reader and an excellent student. In fact, she was known as a bookworm. She proudly earned her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. Her first career was teaching. She taught Biology at Eisenhower High School in Decatur, Illinois. She thoroughly enjoyed educating young minds and encouraging her students to pursue their dreams. Olivia went on to study at Meharry Medical School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee where she became a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). She actively practiced dentistry for thirty-seven years at public health facilities, military bases, and state prisons in Illinois, Kentucky, and Georgia. During those thirty-seven years, she worked as a research dentist. However, her most rewarding assignment was providing dental care to families in low-income areas. Olivia was a small woman in stature, only 5 feet tall, but she had a larger-than-life personality! Even though she seemed tough at times, she was a real softy! Ask and she would give. Her giving nature was showered upon her family, friends, and her church. She faithfully attended church. and served in roles such as Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, and Choir Director. One of Olivia's favorite books was The Color Purple. Not only did she enjoy the book, but she also loved the color. She believed purple represented royalty. She loved it so much that she wore purple day, and even added the color to her hair. However, her real passion was traveling. She traveled to every state in the U.S., Australia, Israel, Greece, Switzerland, and so many more destinations. Olivia lived a very full life. She departed this life surrounded by her daughter Sabrina, her brother Cliff, and her grandchildren, Bryce and Skyler, who affectionately called her “Nana”. Olivia will be missed more than words can express. Celebrating and treasuring her memory are her loving daughter, Sabrina Morris-Trice, her grandchildren, Bryce Taylor Morris and Skyler Taylor Trice, her brothers, Clifford Taylor (Cassie), Thomas Taylor, Brian Rogers, Duane Rogers (Kim), William Rogers, Jr. (Donna), and a host of relatives and friends. Olivia follows into eternity her parents, Ford N. Taylor, William, and Predency Rogers; grandfather, Noble Helm, Sr.; grandmother, Dora Helm; and her sister, Vickie Pannell. REST IN PEACE, DEAREST OLIVIA

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Dr. Olivia Taylor

November 22, 1949 - November 24, 2022