Jacqueline Taylor

Jacqueline Yvonne Taylor, affectionately known as "Big Jackie", was born on August 7, 1942, in
Thompson, Georgia, to Maurice Strange of Tuskegee, Alabama and MIldred Collier of
Thompson, Georgia.

At the tender age of two, Jackie relocated from her grandfather Sidney Collier’s home in
Georgia to reside with her grandparents Anthony and Rachel Strange in Chicago, Illinois. She
was ultimately raised by her aunt Flossie Strange, who blessed her with structure and guidance.
Jackie attended Carter Elementary and graduated from Chicago Vocational High School in 1960.
After which, she graduated from Lydia School of Beauty and Culture in 1962. In high school,
Jackie began a whirlwind courtship with classmate and love of her life, Corbin R. Taylor of
Chicago, Illinois. In 1962, Jackie and Corbin married. Corbin was an Airman in the United States
Air Force, which helped define their relationship of travel all over the world. Together, the two
lived in Washington, D.C., Kansas, Texas, Illinois, New Mexico, Guam, and Spain, However,
Hawaii was the most memorable adventure of them all. From this union they had two
daughters, Michelle Yvette Taylor and Jackie Nicole Taylor born on April 19, 1971 and May 15,

1973 respectively. In 1986, the Taylors permanently settled in Las Vegas, Nevada. Corbin
preceded Jackie in death in 1988. As years passed, Jackie met companion O’Neil King (Neil) of
Los Angeles, California. Neil embraced Jackie’s family and spent several years together before
he passed away after falling ill in 2017.

Jackie held several positions throughout her life, including: General Dynamics Building Airplanes
in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas; CNA Adult Live in Assistant and Wichita School District in Wichita,
Kansas; Certified Nursing Assistant in Rantoul, Illinois; Deli attendant at Hickam Air Force Base
in Hawaii; Dining Hall Attendant at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Ultimately, Jackie worked as
a Dietary Aide at Del Mar Gardens for 20 years before retiring in 2013, where she was also
awarded the honor of Employee of the Year.
Jackie loved fashion , and all things beauty. She loved to dance, dine at exclusive restaurants,
shop, attend concerts, watch good movies while eating her favorite ice cream Haageen Daz,
skate, watch fireworks, and travel. Jackie always had a joke and loved to laugh. Jackie loved cats
and could be often found rescuing cats in the neighborhood in Chicago. She loved to strike a
pose or two! But most of all, Jackie loved spending time with her beloved family and opened
her arms with love to all.

Jackie was very disciplined, independent, and self-reliant. She stood on the principles of her
upbringing including faith, strength, perseverance, and love. Her motto are “You forgive those
that wronged you, never hold grudges. Believe in yourself and never forget who you are.” In
challenging situations she reminded us that if you, “Give it to God.” “Everything is going to be
alright” Because “Trouble don’t last always.” Jackie encouraged others to “Keep the faith – He
will make a way out of no way! God is always show up right on time.” And most importantly,
she taught if “You treat others well and show respect, you will be blessed!”
Jackie knew the Lord from any early age and attended Greater Bethesda Baptist Church in
Chicago, Illinois. Her local church was the Greater New Jerusalem Worship Center in Las Vegas,
Nevada.

Jackie leaves several loved ones to cherish her memory, including: daughters Michelle Taylor
(Demetrius Dagons, Sr.) and Jacqueline Wilson; grandchildren Mariah Wilson, Malcolm Wilson,
Corbin Dagons, Taylor Dagons, and Demetrius Dagons, Jr.; great grandchildren Josiah Lamott
and Nellie Dagons; sisters Sheila Jordan & Anita Strange-Rebecci( nephew and niece( Jermaine
and Jihon Strange) of Nashville, Tennessee; brother Lester Michael Henderson of Chicago,
Illinois; beloved cousins Shirley Garner of Las Vegas, Nevada and Renee Smith of Chicago,
Illinois; brother in-law Randy Taylor (Kathy) and nephews Nicholas Taylor and Tony Taylor of
Oakdale, Minnesota; niece Marcella Hawthorne (Lee and Lonneice Warren) of Las Vegas,
Nevada; nephew Nathaniel Hawthorne(Denise), nephew Ken Taylor, and niece Dr Karen Taylor-
Anderson(Dennis) all of Chicago, Illinois; her beloved family pets Peter the Pup and Bruno as
well several other nieces, nephews, cousins, close relatives, and dear friends.