Ophelia Adams Taylor

REFLECTIONS OF HER LIFE OPHELIA ADAMS TAYLOR “Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come”, Prov. 31:25 Ophelia Adams Taylor, was born on March 16, 1932 in Eastover, South Carolina. She was the eleventh of fourteen children born to King David Adams and Adelle Adams Adams. Ophelia gave her life to Christ at a young age, and was baptized in the creek near New Light Beulah Baptist Church in Hopkins, SC. She was educated in the public schools of Richland County, and after graduation attended Benedict College majoring in Childhood Education. She later relocated to Norwalk, Connecticut where she was a member of Grace Baptist Church. During her first year in CT, Ophelia met the love of her life and soon to be husband, Alvin Carl Taylor, Sr. Out of their matrimony God blessed them with four children, Myra, Alvin Jr. (Carl), Michael and Monica. Ophelia was very active in her community and worked with several organizations including children’s activity groups, PTA, The Girl Scouts and local civic groups. She was a beloved member and staple of her community and was a firm believer in the Commandment, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”! Mark 12:31 Oftentimes, neighbors and community leaders would seek her counsel on difficult and challenging issues. Her character and nature demonstrated “love and compassion” to all – if there was a need and she could help, she would! Ophelia was a wonderful Homemaker and a “Chef’s Chef”. After the death of her husband, she went back to school and completed her studies to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was employed as a CNA with The Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, CT until retirement. Amazingly enough, as she served hospice patients (full circle) and the elderly she became a dear friend and confidant to all her patients. After retiring she was overjoyed with anticipation while planning to return to her roots in Hopkins and reunite with her family, friends, and Church family. Her passion and enjoyment included traveling abroad, gardening, preparing sumptuous meals and spending time with her family and friends. Ophelia was preceded in death by her parents, King David Adams and Adelle Adams, her husband, Alvin Carl Taylor, Sr., siblings, David King Adams, Joel Peter Adams, Viola Story, Adelle Brawley, Pearl Rhoden, Lila M. Woodard, Wilse Williams, Thelma Crawford, Isaac Adams and Wilhelmina Fleming. Ophelia is survived by her 4 children: Myra (Major) Lewter, Sr., Waldorf, MD, Alvin Carl Taylor, Jr., West Haven, CT, Michael K. Taylor, Hopkins, SC, Monica (Antonio) Cervantes, Sarasota, FL; 7 grandchildren: Carlitta Dawson, Jber, Alaska, April (Will) Coggins, Sr., Hamden, CT, Mone’ (Heraldo) Ellis, Ft. Washington, MD, Major (Manilonh Sarivannara), Lewter, Jr., Woodbridge, VA, Marques Lewter, Waldorf, MD, Alvin C. Taylor III, New Milford, CT, Erica Curry, Philadelphia, PA; 5 great grandchildren: Jalen & Willie Coggins, Maniah & Maliah Lewter, Raven Ellis; 3 siblings: Rebecca Frank, Norwalk, CT, Savannah Upshaw, Falls Village, CT, Katherine (John) Boozier, Wilton, CT; Brother-In-Law: Reginald (Tricia) Taylor, Cheyenne, Wyoming; and a one and only beloved first cousin, Essie (Jasper) Brooks, Hopkins, SC, and a host of loving relatives and friends, all of whom will miss her dearly!