Deborah Annice Taylor

Deborah Annice Barber Taylor, affectionately known as "Ann, Granny, and Auntie Ann." Her deep love for family and friends was evident through her sacrificial giving and sharing. She will remain in the hearts of her family and friends because she was unique, vibrant, feisty, Betty Crocker, Julia Chiles, and Cookie Lyons all in one. Deborah was born May 13, 1933 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the late Rev. L.E. and the late Lucille Evans Barber. She was the third child from this union. Deborah had a brother, Jack, and three sisters, Billie, Dess, and Sweettie who preceded her in death. Ann attended Dunbar Elementary and Carver Junior High School; she was a majorette at Booker T. Washington High School (Tulsa). She initiated her graduating class very first class reunion for her class in her backyard. She was active with class reunions until their 50th class reunion. After graduating from high school in 1951, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Kim. Ann left Chicago and moved to Los Angeles where she opened her daycare and fined tuned her gift and joy of bringing out the best in children. She is remembered for teaching her students Martin Luther King, Jr's speech, "I have a Dream." She moved back to Chicago in 1978 and taught preschool for many years. Deborah gave her life to CHRIST at an early age and was baptized at Metropolitan Baptist Church (Tulsa) under the leadership of the late Rev. West. She continued serving the LORD throughout her life and was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church at her passing. Deborah was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, her daughter, Kim L. Taylor of Chicago, Illinois; five grandchildren, Kyle L. (Pip), Cathy, Toni, Tamoi, and Ronnie Taylor all from Chicago; one great-granddaughter, Caeli; one brother, Lewis Barber Jr. of Oklahoma City; three sisters, Juanita Brooks of Norwalk, California, Doris Woods of Oklahoma City, and Pamela Barber-Freeman of Houston, Texas; 18 nieces and nephews; 32 grand-nieces and nephews; 24 great nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.