Reverend Dr. Leroy Taylor

Reverend Leroy Alvin Taylor, a native of Kenner, Louisiana, and a resident of Denham Springs, Louisiana, passed peacefully from this life. Reverend Taylor dedicated his life to faith, education, ministry, and community leadership. He was the beloved husband of John Ethel Taylor and a devoted father and grandfather. Leroy Alvin Taylor entered this life on March 2, 1955, along with his twin brother, Archie. Affectionately known as “Big Boy,” he was born in Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, to Arthur Jackson and Essie Johnson Taylor.Leroy grew up in Kenner, Louisiana, and attended school in Jefferson Parish. At an early age of 4, Leroy was baptized at St. Peter Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Thomas in Kenner, Louisiana. Leroy strongly believed in the power of education and pursued multiple advanced degrees and certifications throughout his life, including: • Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern University, Baton Rouge • Master of Science in Psychology from Belford University • Doctorate of Theology from Christian Bible College of Louisiana • Certified Substance Abuse Counselor • Continuing Expository Studies through The Stephen Center of Union University in Tennessee Leroy was a passionate shepherd of God’s people. Throughout his ministry, Reverend Taylor faithfully served as a pastor, evangelist, revivalist, lecturer, and teacher. His pastoral leadership included: • Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Kenner, Louisiana • New Zion Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Louisiana • Greater Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond, Louisiana In addition to preaching, Pastor Taylor shared his faith through music. He sang with renowned gospel artists and groups including Rev. James Cleveland, James Moore, The Williams Brothers, The Mighty True Friends, Heavenly Stars, and Rocks of Harmony, along with numerous local groups. Leroy was a prominent leader in the broader faith community, serving in numerous missionary and organizational capacities, including: • Vice Chairman of the Evangelical Board, National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. • Evangelical Board Chairman for the Louisiana Home and Foreign Missions Baptist State Convention • President of the Amite River Progressive Baptist Christian Association • Certified Instructor through Shaw University with the Louisiana Home and Foreign Missions Baptist State Convention • Board Member of the Cornerstone General Baptist Association • Member of the Lott Carey organization and attendee of the World Baptist Alliance His missionary heart carried him throughout the world through the Lott Carey DEP Program, sharing the Gospel in Africa, South America, Jamaica, Hawaii, and Italy. Pastor Taylor’s profound legacy of spiritual leadership, musical worship, and community service will forever be cherished by his family, congregations, and all who knew and loved him. Family Pastor Taylor loved his family deeply. Living to honor his life and legacy are his devoted wife of thirty-four years, John Ethel Taylor, and seven children: • Trivia Taylor of Ponchatoula, Louisiana • LaRonda Varnado of Hammond, Louisiana • Alonzo James of Amite, LA • Keith (Jacobia) Bates of Little Rock, Arkansas • Darryl Scott of Atlanta, Georgia • Karen Bates Scott of Little Rock, Arkansas • Tawayanna (Julius) Hemphill of Desoto, Texas He also leaves to cherish his memory twenty-one grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sisters: • Elaine (Donald) Taylor of Harvey, Louisiana • Sylvia (Calvin) Coleman • Sandra Richardson of New Orleans, Louisiana He leaves one beloved brother, Archie Taylor of California, along with a special niece, Marcie Scott, two aunts: Lucille Dilworth & Audrey Chaney; numerous uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Also cherishing his memory are the congregations and organizations he faithfully served, including: • New Zion Baptist Church • Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church • Greater Rosehill Missionary Baptist Church • Amite River Progressive Baptist Christian Association • Louisiana Home and Foreign Missions Baptist State Convention • National Baptist Convention of America Families Preceded in Death Pastor Leroy Taylor was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved mother, Essie Taylor; his father, Arthur Jackson; two sisters, Armor Lee Taylor and Beatrice Smith; and two brothers, Albert Green, Jr. and Joseph Martin, Jr. “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” II Timothy 4:6–8

Reverend Dr. Leroy Taylor

March 2, 1955 - June 20, 2026