Charles B. Taylor, owner of Taylor Funeral Home, on Chicago’s Southside, has made his transition at the age of 93.
He left his childhood home of Northport, Alabama to begin the anointed journey of his life and attended Prairie State University, Worsham College of Mortuary Science, and was awarded a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University.
Charles served in the Illinois National Guard. He was a part of the force they sent to Chicago during the riots following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assignation. He retired as First Sergeant after 23 years. He also served as a Cook County Sheriff for several years.
Charles married Leyeuna A. Taylor, who made her transition on April 9, 2022. Together they built the empire which consists of Taylor Funeral Home (1963), Gary Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary, Indiana (1972), and C.B. Taylor Funeral Home, Inc. (1982) on Chicago’s Westside.
He did not stop there. He was the first to redesign the interior of a Motorhome which enclosed the casket and allowed 15-20 members of a family to ride together with their loved one.
He was a licensed pilot, an airplane owner and personally delivered the remains of the loved ones he served to their out of state destinations.
From the inception of the funeral home to the day he passed, he has bestowed his entrepreneurial spirit to several businesses which include Taylor Coach, Thrifty Printing, American Monument Co., Atlas Auctioneers Co., Inc., TRW Auto Sales & Rebuilders, and B-Low Auto Sales, Repairs & Rebuilders.
As a fraternal brother, he was affiliated with Commanders of Rite, Prince Hall Building Committee, Hiram Lodge #14, Prince Hall Grand Lodge State of Illinois, and International Shriners.
As a man, he was affiliated with the Board at Progressive Baptist Church, T.E. Brown Apartments, Greater Metropolitan M.B. Church, Apostolic Church of God, Paul L. Dunbar High School (now Dunbar Vocational Career Academy), Charles S. Deneen Public School (now Deneen School of Excellence) and Flying Funeral Directors National Association.
As a Funeral Director, he was a member of Alumni Association of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, IFDA (Illinois Funeral Directors Association), NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association, and Flying Funeral Directors of America.
As a neighbor and community member, he joined the Tuscaloosa Club, to stay in touch with his first neighbors and community. Here, he was always serving the needs of the community on both the West and South sides of Chicago through many school and church projects and political events.
Charles was a father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, member of his church family, a fraternal brother to all his lodge members and employer of many throughout the years.
Charles was loved and will be deeply missed.
Chairman of the Board, Progressive Baptist Church
Treasurer of T. E. Brown Apartments
Was responsible for the orchestration and advising through the completion of the 117 Unit building in Honor of the late pastor Dr. T. E. Brown
Member, Financial Advisory Board, Greater Metropolitan M. B. Church
Member, Community Board, Apostolic Church of God
Member, Advisory Board, Paul S. Dunbar High School
Sponsor, Charles S. Deneen Public School
Member, Worsham College of Mortuary Science Alumni Association
Member, Flying Funeral Directors National Association, Flying Funeral Directors of America
Past Director, Gateway National Bank of Chicago
Member, National Funeral Directors Association
Illinois Funeral Directors Association
American Cemetery Association
Past President and Founder, Commanders of Rite
Director, Prince Hall Grand Lodge State of Illinois
Senior Past Master, Hiram Lodge #14
Made Honorary Past Grand Master of State of Illinois
Past Deputy Grand Master, Prince Hall Grand Lodge State of Illinois
Past Imperial Potentate, International Shriners (Honorary)
Honorary Supporter, Educational and Youth Activities, International Shriners
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