Reverend Thomas S. Taylor (STH’57)
This obituary was provided to BUSTH by Reverend Thomas’s family.
Thomas S. Taylor, age 91, passed away Thursday morning, February 22, 2024, at Wesleyan Village in Elyria.
Born May 24, 1932 in Shaker Heights, OH, Tom was the devoted husband of Nell (Jones) Taylor, father of Deborah (Marty)Taylor, Kathy Taylor, Dean (Shelley) Taylor, and Wesley (Joey) Taylor. Tom and Nell have seven grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mae and Barnett Winning Taylor; brothers Jim Taylor, Barney Taylor, Jack Taylor; and granddaughter Jessie Taylor.
Tom graduated from Shaker Schools in 1950, received his B.A. from Duke University in 1954, and his Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology in 1957. Tom served the following appointments: 1957, Plymouth/Shiloh; 1960, Lakeside; 1966, Delaware: Asbury; 1973, Euclid: East Shore; 1981, Cleveland District Superintendent; 1984, Brecksville; 1996, Retired.
In retirement, Tom and Nell (retired mental health counselor/therapist), enjoyed traveling all over the world with Educational Opportunities (including China, Australia, Scandinavia, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Alaska, and Israel) as well as traveling to see their children and grandchildren all over the US and Canada.
Tom and Nell volunteered as “Red Coats” at Playhouse Square, Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall, and Habitat for Humanity. Tom was respected, admired, and loved as a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, mentor, colleague, leader, and friend. As a tireless advocate for matters of justice and peace he participated in the 1963 March on Washington as well as advocating for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people within and outside of the United Methodist Church.
Tom’s Memorial Service will be held at Wesleyan Village, 807 West Avenue, Elyria, OH 44035, in the Cascade Hall on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 1 p.m. A reception will follow in an adjacent room.
Born: May 24, 1932 in
Shaker Heights, Ohio
Graduated from Shaker Schools 1950
B.A. Duke University, 1954
S.T.B. Boston University School of Theology 1957
Churches Served: Plymouth-Shiloh, 1957-Feb.60
Lakeside, Feb. 60-66
Asbury, Delaware, 66-73
East Shore 73-81
Cleveland District Superintendent 81-Oct.84
Brecksville Oct. 84-96
Retired 96
Pastor Emeritus of BUMC 1999
Wife: Nell Jones Taylor, retired counselor/therapist. They are the parents of four adult children and grandparents of seven.
In retirement they enjoyed traveling with Educational Opportunities and to see their children and grandchildren all over the US and Canada.
They volunteered as “Red Coats” at Playhouse Square, Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall, and Habitat for Humanity.
East Ohio Conference Journal Record of Pastoral Appointments:
Taylor, Thomas S (RE) ‒ NorthEast Ohio: 1955, School; 1957, Plymouth/Shiloh; 1960, Lakeside; 1966, Delaware: Asbury; East Ohio: 1970, Delaware: Asbury; 1973, Euclid: East Shore; 1981, Superintendent, Cleveland District; 10/1/1984, Brecksville; 1996, Retired