Bessie Louise Taylor was born on February 1, 1930, the third of seven children to the late Reverend Christopher C & Mary Sharpe in Tarboro, N.C. She was educated in the public school system of Tarboro and graduated from W.A. Pattillo H.S. in June 1948.
Soon after graduation she married her high school sweetheart, Joseph Taylor. From this union yielded the very joy of her life, three children, Glenn, Mary, and Robert. Bessie poured her heart into raising her children to be strong, independent, loving, and smart. She succeeded on this account, not only with her own children, but in mentoring and shaping the destiny of hundreds of other children, some of whom have come out today to pay homage and tribute to her.
Bessie worked from the time she graduated from high school until her retirement. Her many employers included Yellow Cab and Bell of Pennsylvania. She was most inspired by her time at Bell of Pennsylvania because of the adversities she encountered to be hired. It was a story she told to everyone, especially the youth, to encourage them not to give up on their dreams. She was initially not hired by Bell of Pennsylvania, possibly due to her race. Bessie persisted and continued to return to Bell of Pennsylvania for a position until she was hired. Bessie often commented on how they did not want her to be in the company at first but during her tenure at Bell of Pennsylvania she started as a switchboard operator and quickly moved up in the company to manager. She often shared with young people that she worked until her name was on the office door. She was a change agent within the company and after 20 years of employment and getting her name on the door, she announced her retirement. The leaders at Bell of Pennsylvania pleaded with her to stay on, acknowledging that she was one of their top employees.
Bessie accepted Christ early in her life and spent most of her time working in the church, initially, under her father, Rev. C.C. Sharpe. Her positions in her father’s ministry included the presidency of the gospel chorus, where she was one of its leading soprano’s. In ministry she organized a Youth Choir, was instrumental in support of the Pastor Aide ministry, and more. However, Bessie’s heart and ministry was always called to children. It was her first joy to make an impact on their lives and encourage them to be anything they wanted to be.
Even after the death of her father, Bessie stayed active in the ministry working with the youth until her youngest son, Apostle Robert M. Taylor Sr., was called into ministry. Under his leadership, Apostle Taylor appointed her church Mother, a title she embraced with humility and prayer and took very seriously. She was the epitome of a church mother, loving, nurturing, engaging, educating the young and offering sound council and wisdom to the old and young alike. She supported her son to help build the ministry and make a spiritual impact in the City of Philadelphia. Bessie’s faithfulness is well known and she rarely missed service and kept up with the busy pace of ministry and its world-famous Fellowship Tabernacle choir. Mother Taylor toured with the church choir singing before dignitaries of the federal government, state, and local government, including the President, the governor of Pennsylvania, the Mayor of Philadelphia, national and international recording artists, Broadway, and film stars.
After the passing of her son, Apostle Taylor, in 2017, Bessie aligned herself with the Morning Star First Baptist Church under the capable leadership of Reverend David E. Roberts II. At Morning Star, Bessie continued the work that God called her to by encouraging and ministering to the youth.
An extensive book could be authored to document the numerous achievements of Mother Bessie Taylor throughout her life. Suffice it to say, she lived a full and fulfilled life according to God’s will and perfect plan.
On April 5, 2025, God sweetly and softly called Bessie to her eternal rest. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Joseph; her sons, Glenn and Robert; and her granddaughter Kris.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her daughter, Mary J. Taylor; two grandsons, Robert Taylor Jr. and Kevin Taylor (Lasha); two great grandchildren, Ashley Taylor and Lauryn Taylor; and two great-great grandchildren, Amira and Amarion Ikard; one sister Gloria Eileen Booth; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary is serving the family.