Gone, but not Forgotten

Lady Tonia Martin-Taylor
Lady Taylor’s work in the church began as a girl. She served as an usher and choir member at Tabernacle United Church of Christ in Yadkinville, North Carolina, where she gave her life to Jesus Christ. She remained a member of Tabernacle United Church of Christ until May 1990, when her husband, Elder Carl Taylor, was re-assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Lady Taylor was filled with the Holy Ghost in a gospel service in Babenhausen, Germany. In 1993, she became a member of Genesis Church of God in Christ. During her tenure of service in Babenhausen, Germany, she served in the local church and district as the Youth Department President. The Lord granted her favor and she was selected to serve as the Sunshine Band President (Big Sister Sunshine) for the Germany Jurisdiction. She was a local district and jurisdictional choir member. She attended Missionary & Auxiliary Leadership Training (M.A.L.T.) while in Germany.

Upon her arrival to Fort Riley, Kansas, she continued her work in the Youth Department at Mount Zion. Superintendent C.J. Weathersby appointed her as the Youth Department Coordinator. She attended licensing training through the Kansas East Women’s Department under the leadership of Mother Roberta D. Thuston, Supervisor of Women. In September of 1999, Lady Taylor was licensed as a Missionary/Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ. Then, in December 2001, she graduated from Upper Iowa University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Additionally, in May of 2006, she graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work.

Lady Taylor loved the Lord, her husband, children, and the church. She worked with the Youth Department as a Bible Band teacher and also as a member of the choir and worship team. She believed in encouraging the youth. Lady Taylor admonished the young people to stand firm in their Christian values, to trust and have faith in God, and that God is able to see them through any difficulties. Lady Taylor stood beside her friend, husband, and pastor as they worked to fulfill God’s call for their lives.