Roette Taylor

Roette McCray-Taylor was born on September 17, 1926, in Jonesburg, Louisiana to Jake and Flossie Williams. She was the second child out of nine born to this union. As a young child, Roette enjoyed spending time with her siblings Lessel, J.L., Luella, Luester, Lillie Mae, Ollie Mae, Freddis and Dorothy. Roette was homeschooled in Louisiana by her family. She developed a strong work ethic from her studies as well as her extracurricular activity of working on the family farm. Roette learned the fine art of cooking at an early age and excelled in her household chores. These skills positioned her for a successful career. As a professional housekeeper, she earned a reputation as "The Best." She was highly requested and valued as a Caregiver and Household Manager by her employers. Next, Roette met Ed Murphy while in Louisiana. They were married and moved to Idabel, Oklahoma where they raised their children Dorothy, Eddie Jean and Calvin. They were married for five years. Later, Roette married Arthur McCray. They added to their family and raised Arthur Ray, Mack, Bobby Jean, Linda, Freddis and Lodene. As a young adult, Roette was a member of Rose Hill Baptist Church in Idabel, Oklahoma. She was a faithful member and liked to sing among the congregation. As a woman of faith, Roette was then led by the Lord to cofound Triumph the Church in Kingdom of God in Christ in 1962. After Arthur McCray's passing, Roette met her last husband, Clifford Taylor. They relocated with the family to Denver, Colorado in 1971. Roette kept busy by working outside the home at the Stapleton Plaza Hotel in Housekeeping and in the home as a homemaker. Over the years, her house became the family gathering place for each generation. Roette was more than a mother and grandmother. "Mama" as she was affectionately called by loved ones was also the family advisor, banker, caregiver, doctor lawyer and preacher. Most importantly, she was a true friend. Likewise, Roette was lovingly known as "Granny" by other grandchildren as well as great-grandchildren. Roette had a big heart, and she opened her home to anyone in need. In fact, her doors were never locked. In her spare time, Roette had a passion for fishing. Rain or shine or even if the big one got away; she loved being on the lake, especially with her sister. When she fished with the family, everyone looked forward to the fish fry. They couldn't get home fast enough. "Got some fish," she said. Roette enjoyed gardening, too. She proudly grew prize crops of tomatoes, squash and greens. She generously shared her harvest with her friends and neighbors. In her latter years, Roette answered God's call to participate in the Body of Christ once again. She attended Grace and Truth Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Denver, Colorado under the leadership of Pastor Tastonga O. Moore. Roette used her gift of hospitality to prepare meals for the pastors, special occasions and the sick. She was declared (per God's instructions) Honorary Mother of Grace and Truth because of her wisdom and ability to give instruction as well as correction. Preceding her in death are her parents, two brothers J.L. Williams and Freddis Williams and husband, Clifford Taylor. Roette McCray-Taylor departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on December 2, 2013, at home in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory are her brother Lessel William of Yakima, WA; her sisters Luella Graves of Oklahoma City, OK; Luester Breedlove of Houston, TX; Lillie Mae Nelson of Oklahoma City, OK; Ollie Mae (Otis) Beasley of Eloy, AZ; Dorothy (Raymond) Moore of Phoenix, AZ; her children Dorothy Snoddy of Denver, CO; Eddie Jean Garris of Dallas, TX; Calvin Murphy, Arthur Ray McCray, Mack McCray, Bobby Long all of Denver, CO; Linda Packer of Aurora, CO; Freddis (Yolanda) McCray of Dallas, TX; Lodene (James) Turner of Aurora, CO; 33 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 12/11/2013 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 12/12/2013 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 12/12/2013 - Fort Logan National Cemetery - Denver, CO