Johnnie Michael Taylor, affectionately known as "Mike" was born on Trinkaloe Road, Elizabeth City, N. C.to the late Rev. John Taylor, Jr. and the late Mary Matilda Spence Taylor on April 16, 1959, He departedthis life on August 27, 2024. Mike had one brother to precede him in death, Robert Taylor. Mike became a member of Samuel Chapel Missionary Baptist Church as a child where he remained a faithful member until his health declined. He was one of the founding members of the Male Usher Board and sang in the Gospel Choir and Make Chorus.
Mike began his education in the public schools of Elizabeth City/ Pasquotank County where he graducated from Northeastern High School in the class of 1977 Mike enjoyed sports and was a member of the basketball team. Mike also had a love for music so in his senior year of high school, while driving the bus and attending school, he joined the ECSU Marching Vikings. Mike attended Elizabeth City State University where he stayed two years. Because Mike was a go getter, he was seeking employment and landed a job with Newport News Shipyard, but eventually he found his inteterest in the military. Mike joined the army where he stayed for 8 years traveling all over the United States and Germany with a expertise in Field Artillery.
He left the army with a honorable discharge with the rank of sergent. Once he left the military Mike went to work with the Blimp company where he worked for several years.
Following ths job, Mike decided he had enough traveling and went back to school at the College of the Albemarle to pursue a degree in air conditioning and refrigeration. Once he got his degree, he started working for Southgate Manor Housing Authority where he stayed until he could no longer serve in that capacity.
Mike was affectionally known by his family and especially his nieces and nephews for creating "Mike-isms." He would say thing like "I bet you can't walk without feet." or You're only as beautiful as your thoughts, so you start thinking" . Celeste would always say when she met the love of her life. This is the effect Mike had on people he met. Everyone loved his carefree spirit and his love for music, laughter, and dance. Even during his sickness, he loved to sing. If he was asleep and you started singing, he would wake up and join in. Everyone he met him knew him as the life of the party. He always took to the floor with his "Megan Knees". His nieces friends loved him so much also called him "Uncle Mike". The little children loved his childish spirit and would gather around him with delight. Mike's famous saying was, " Full of fluid, ready to do it cause I'm used to it".
Mike leaves to cheirsh his memories loving wife and friend, Celeste Royer Taylor of Elzabeth City, NC; six children, Michael (Angel) Taylor of Boca Raton, Florida, Jonathan (Charmel) Taylor of Atlanta, Georgia, Alrese (LuCretia) Holmes of Elizabeth City, NC, Alisha Smith of Portland Oregon, Charae (Ricky) Etheridge of Elizabeth City, NC, and Telisha (Justin) Carenas of Kopolei, Hawaii; four sisters Deborah Spence of Parkville, Maryland, Carrie Taylor of Joppa , Maryland, Jonola (Gertie) Rountree of Camden, NC, and Pamela (James) McLean of Elizabeth City, North Carolina; four brothers Apostle Gwayland (Vanessa) McClenney of Winfall, NC, Henry (Shirley) Chapman of Elizabeth City, NC, Elder Brian (Leveda) Taylor of High Point, NC, and Kenneth Taylor of Hopkins, South Carolina five sisters in law, Ozzie Taylor of Hopkins, SC, Ozzie Taylor of Waterbury Conn, Cheryl Morrison and Wynette Griffin of Elizabeth City, NC, Charlene (Gloria ) Royer of Winston Salem, NC and Charmaine Royer of Houston, Texas; One aunt Bernice Cowell of Elizabeth City, NC and a host of nieces , nephews and friends,
Condolences may be made to the family at www.robinsonfuneralandcremation.com
A. C. Robinson & Son is assisting th Taylor and connected families.
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770 E. Trinkaloe Road
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
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Sep
770 E. Trinkaloe Road
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Cemetery Details
Location
Peartree Road
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
