Mrs. Carrie Lou Hollis Taylor

This woman, crowned with beauty. This woman, adorned with humility. This woman, Mrs. Carrie Lou Hollis Taylor, lived a life of service and love. Her earthly journey began November 29, 1920 in the hills of Fairfield County, South Carolina. She was the sixth of twelve children born to the late Reverend Walter H. Hollis, Sr. and Mrs. Janie Freeman Hollis. By reflecting upon her life, one would not find coincidence in the number six; symbolizing close association with humanity. Mrs. Taylor was educated in the schools of Richland County and graduated from Booker T. Washington High in the class of 1939. She continued her pursuits for service by attending Columbia Hospital School of Nursing; she became a registered nurse. Carrie was a diligent worker, dedicated to succeed. Her zeal and ambition caused her to open doors for her younger siblings to pursue careers of their own choosing. After graduating from Columbia Hospital School of Nursing (RN), she served as a school nurse for Howard Elementary, Roosevelt Village Elementary, Saxon Elementary, and Wheeler Hill Elementary. Her desire for patient care led her to the hospital setting. Who would have known that her small steps would have been the beginning of opening doors. Before she sued and won her civil suit against the William Jennings Bryon-Dorn Veterans Hospital and the federal government; the V.A. Hospital did not employ black nurses. Thusly, black nurses had the opportunity to gain equal employment. She was a Moses to her profession and an Esther to her family and community. Her face was the first witness for new life to the majority of her nieces and nephews. The heart of a true servant was hers; she gave to her family, friends, church, and community. Mr. Luther L. Taylor, Sr. knew that she was his “good thing” __ God’s gift. From this union, two children were born, a daughter, Alva Ojetta and a son, Luther Langford, Jr. Mrs. Taylor was an active member of Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church. She praised God in word, action and deed. At an early age, she received Jesus as her Savior. She served on the Usher Board and Senior Missionary Society. Her earthly journey was completed on August 22, 2013, her soul is at rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, all eleven of her siblings, her spouse and her son. The legacy of love is cherished by her daughter, Mrs. Alva Ojetta (Albert) Brown; four grandchildren, Kyle J. Brown, Amy C. Taylor, Gaye E. Coleman, and Karah J. Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and numerous friends. Services will be held 12 noon Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Haskell Heights First Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 pm today Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Palmer Memorial Chapel. The family request that you make tributes on their wall at palmermemorialchapel.com.

Mrs. Carrie Lou Hollis Taylor

November 29, 1920 - August 22, 2013