TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MERELENE KELLER-TAYLOR
WHEREAS, God in His infinite wisdom and judgment has called to her eternal reward, Merelene Keller-Taylor, outstanding citizen and beloved friend, August 9, 2010; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been notified of Merelene keller-Taylor's transition by the Honorable Anthony Beale, Alderman of the 9th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Born May 28, 1940 in Prentiss, Mississippi, Merelene was the loving daughter of Gersie B. (Thompson) Keller. She was the eldest of her eight siblings and at an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Mississippi. She came to Chicago in 1959 and made it her home. Merelene later joined St. John Baptist Temple Church, and participated joyously with the congregation. She was a vital and active member of the Woman Auxiliary Board; and
WHEREAS, Merelene, a mature woman filled with an abundance of charm, patience and intelligence, captured the heart of a young man who was to become her loving husband Lawrence Taylor. The couple were married on May 10, 1961 and were blessed with eight children, Edward, Lawrence, Brenda, Barbara, Michelle, Anthony, Carmella and Jermaine. After raising her children, Merelene continued her education and attended Chicago State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice; and
WHEREAS, Merelene was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her legacy is her family. She was always supportive of her loved ones and was very instrumental in her community. She was the Founder and Director of the Loretta Orme Center. She helped many children accomplish their lifelong goals and to become productive citizens. Merelene retired from the Loretta Orme Center in 2007 to spend more quality time with her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Merelene continued to being vital and active in her community and many organizations; Precinct Captain, T.W.O., Domestic Violence Coordinator, Vista Volunteer, Block Club President and Dulles Local School Council; and
WHEREAS, Her husband, Lawrence Taylor, mother, Gersie, daughter, Barbara, and grandson Byron having predeceased her, Merelene Keller-Taylor will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, friend and neighbor. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory her seven children, Edward, Lawrence (Cynthia), Brenda (Fletcher), Michelle, Anthony, Carmella (Montez) and Jermaine (Shanta); sisters, Clemmer Hudson, and Pearlie Scott (James), brothers, Willie Earl, Joseph, Daniel, Bobby, Nathaniel and Billy Keller; twenty-one grandchildren; ten great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many friends; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled here this sixth day of October, 2010, A.D., and do hereby offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and loved of Merelene Keller-Taylor and express our hope that the coldness of their grief be soon replaced with the warm memories of her.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Merelene Keller-Taylor.
ANTHONY BEALE Alderman - 9th Ward