Ms. Elizabeth Ann Taylor, 83, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 9:48 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on January 22, 1943, in Texas, the daughter of Johnnie Black and Dell Tessa Guyton. She married William Joseph “Mr. T” Taylor on July 31, 1958, in Burlington, Iowa. He preceded her in death on July 19, 2022.
Surviving are three daughters, Beverly (C.J.) Pendleton of Galesburg, Debra Taylor of Galesburg, and Michelle Taylor of Galesburg; two brothers, Lee Dale Massangale of Champaign, Illinois and Tommie Lee Black of Arkansas; three sisters, Marilyn DeVorce of Kansas, Ernestine Jones of Texas, and Brenda DeVorce of Kansas; eight grandchildren, Nicole, Isaiah, Lyric, Kaevahn, Derrick, Michael, Alayna, and Jared; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Gary DeVorce and Tommy DeVorce; one sister, Sherrilynn DeVorce: and two grandsons, William Taylor, II and Jeremy Tatum.
Elizabeth attended Galesburg High School and Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. She first worked for Protexall in Galesburg. She later worked in food service for St. Mary’s Square Living Center, Knox County Jail, and The Kensington, all in Galesburg. She and her husband also owned and operated Mr. T’s BBQ in Galesburg for several years. Elizabeth was a very active member of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Galesburg, where she served as a youth director, financial secretary, and choir member. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and listening to music. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially preparing family meals.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Pastor Allen Robinson and Pastor Jerry Akins will officiate. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the family to establish a memorial fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
