Pastor Jessie James Taylor, Sr.

The Lineage Jessie James Taylor, Sr. descends from the lineages of Dan Archie, Sr. and Julia Dixon Archie of Goshen Springs, MS and from Alfred Taylor, Sr. and Annie Mayberry Taylor. He was born on September 28, 1939 and was the oldest of eight children to Alfred Taylor, Jr. and Abbie Ree Archie Taylor who both preceded him in death. Reverend Taylor departed this life peacefully at his home on November 8, 2022 in Brandon, MS. The Life Jessie grew up in Fannin, MS with his seven brothers and sisters and attended Fannin School where he graduated. He joined church and was baptized at a young age at Pilgrim Branch M.B. Church in Goshen Springs. After finishing high school, he immediately began to work using the gifts God had given him. He was very industrious during his early years using his skills at the Cataphote, Inc. in Flowood, MS and Harper Foundry in Jackson, MS. He quickly realized that he was created to do more and ventured out to begin building his own businesses. These included starting a pulpwood hauling business, farming, and eventually establishing Taylor’s Construction, Inc., Taylor’s Septic Tank, Inc. and Taylor Made Ready Mix Concrete, Inc. Jessie’s life was one that he also lived for God. He accepted his call to ministry in 1967 and became an ordained minister with the Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E) Church in 1969. He faithfully served the CME Church for 35 years pastoring churches across Mississippi: Zionell CME Church in Mt. Olive, MS; Perry Chapel CME Church in Satartia, MS; St. Paul CME Church in Bentonia, MS; Lee’s Chapel CME Church in Canton, MS; Spring Hill CME Church in Carroll County; and Little Bethel CME Church in Terry, MS. Even after retirement he still found himself preaching and teaching the word of God. The Legacy Throughout the time Reverend Taylor was working in his career and fulfilling the mission that God had given him, he did so alongside his devoted wife, Pearlean Myers Taylor of Fannin, MS. They were united in marriage on October 8, 1958 and were blessed with fourteen children. They remained united until she departed her earthly life in 2000. Carrying on the legacy of Reverend Jessie James Taylor, Sr. are his sons: Rev. Jessie J. Taylor, Jr. (Annie), Simon L. Taylor (Debra), Isaac Taylor, David A. Taylor, Joshua Taylor (Dinell) all of Brandon, MS; Fred (Crystal) Collins of Pearl, MS. One son, Otis Taylor, preceded him in death. Daughters: Vergie R. Jackson, Shirley J. Taylor Leonard, Rachel Booker, Sharlene Taylor Adkins all of Brandon, MS; Minister Leah Spann (Chris) of Flowood, MS; Patricia (Woodrow) Hartzog of Hammond, LA; Debra (Albert) Reed of Forest, MS; and Tonya Y. Miner of (Pensacola, FL). His legacy also boasts of 40 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his siblings. Two brothers: Reverend Joseph L. Taylor (Sadie), and Solomon Taylor (Shirley) of Brandon, MS. Three sisters: Annie Mae Taylor of Flint, MI; Mary Lee Lewis, Ella Jean Anderson (Roy), Dorene Anderson (Nathaniel) of Brandon, MS. Althea Ree Adams preceded him in death. He also leaves two special friends Clifton Rogers, Sr. and Joe Ed Wallace. His legacy will also be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and the communities that he so faithfully served. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Pastor Jessie James Taylor, Sr.

September 28, 1939 - November 8, 2022