Obituary of Latya S. Taylor

Latya Sherice Taylor (née Redditt), affectionately known as “Tya,” daughter of Hershell J. (deceased) and Margaret N. Redditt, made her debut at 7:46 pm, September 7, 1979 at Highland Hospital in Rochester, New York. Latya was amazing and destined for greatness from the start. Growing up in her childhood home on Lehigh Avenue, her mother/BFF would watch her in the hallway foyer mirror becoming everything from a schoolteacher to a solo artist. Her talent was raw yet filled with determination. Observing her, she knew that Latya would become whatever she set her mind to be. Her seed developed a root in the mirror, and the blossoming began. Latya was a part of the Urban Suburban Program, the first and oldest voluntary desegregation program in the United States. Within that program she attended Pittsford Central Schools: Thornell Road, Pittsford Middle School, and Pittsford Mendon High School. She was an excellent scholar and loved extra-curricular activities playing the violin, singing in show choirs, theatre, and being a football and basketball cheerleader. She never gave less than her absolute best. She was an AP student, as well as an Urban League Black Scholar her entire high school matriculation. Her hard work would pay off, earning a bachelor’s degree in Journalism (a minor in Spanish which she spoke fluently) from Penn State University in 2002. She loved her Nittany Lions, but her journalism education would ultimately lead her to the Washington, D.C. (DMV) area. Over the next fifteen years, her seed would evolve and connect her to people, life, and opportunities that would only make her greater. Throughout the years, Latya held various positions with BET and the Afro Newspaper before accepting an opportunity with the Wells Fargo Mortgage Banking team. It was during this time that she decided to add to her learning toolbox and earn a master’s degree in Finance from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2008. Her studies would grant her a fourmonth internship with AT&T in San Antonio, Texas, which ultimately landed her the role of Financial Analyst in Columbia, MD. She loved her AT&T family, and in 2017, she took a leap, and transitioned to the Corporate Finance Team in Dallas, Texas. It was in Dallas, where she planted seeds of service, as the National Chief Executive Officer of The NETwork BICP, AT&T’s oldest minority network. In 2019, she had the pleasure of leading the company in their 50th year celebration. Amid crushing her career goals, she would also meet her future beau, Kevin Taylor, who would later become her husband, love her life and captain of #teamtaylor. This season would also yield her the greatest title of all, “Mommy” to Kennedy Christian Taylor, which also meant her seed would remain in the Earth for years to come. A seed appears to look the same in its packaging, but is undoubtedly known by its name… The #teamtaylor bond was forever forged 16 years ago when Kevin and Latya first met. Their love created connection, causing friends, and countless others to become one big family. It was more than a hashtag; it was a movement that Latya loved and took much pride. #TeamTaylor took on the world celebrating world-class Christmases in New Jersey, visiting islands, traveling to wine country to celebrate milestone years, seeing Disney World, collecting medals during Kennedy’s gymnastics adventures, and of course the favorite, family road trips, where Latya taught everyone their parts in the car sing-a-longs (of every imaginable gospel song). The family seed was now planted. Latya was an exceptional friend. From childhood, anyone she encountered immediately fell in love with her. Her presence was bold and astute, yet calming, and comforting. Her trust and confidence in herself were a gift to others. She desired that everyone live, love, and laugh to the fullest. Most importantly, she was always humble, thoughtful, considerate, and kind. From the church, friends, family, AT&T, and Gymnastics Moms, she was much adored. The seeds of friendship sown will be watered infinitely and in her honor. Her character and wit were unmatched. She had the ability to speak words that could empower, as well as deliver a knee slapping joke that would have anyone reeling over with gut-busting laughter. The strength of her voice could also be heard in one of her favorite places, the choir stand. Her alto voice could indeed move a mountain. Spiritually, Latya was rooted and grounded in Christ. Growing up, she was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Rochester, NY. When she made the DMV her home, she briefly attended Living Water Church of Prayer and Healing. But it would be St. John Baptist Church that would steal her heart and receive her in membership. They welcomed their “LT” with open arms, and never let her go. Latya lived by the motto, “if you tell me No, watch me GO!” For 15,238 days, she went, and on the last day, she took her rest. Latya planted herself in the Earth, and the spirit of her seed will continue to be watered and bloom season after season, through the lives of those who will pick up her torch, and carry it until the days are no more. Now, she dances with her father, Hershell J., and her sister Dorrelle Weaver. Left to cherish her memories are her husband Kevin, and their daughter Kennedy. Her mother Margaret Redditt of Rochester, NY; Lazane (Stanley) Onar of Chicago, IL; Anthony Redditt of Dallas, TX; Kimberly Redditt of Chicago, IL; and Desmon Redditt of Rochester, NY. Latya also had “In-Loves” who loved her dearly: Walter & Beverly Taylor, Adam Taylor, Leslie Anderson, Imani Lugo, and Justin Chamblee, all from New Brunswick, NJ. Her life will also be treasured by her God-family, Sam E. (Dad) & Lucille (Ma) Chess; Kimberly Chess-Powell (Sis), Jamia Powell (Niece) and Jarell Chess (Nephew). Her tribe, Nichole Newport, Mia Cook, Michelle Smith, Faith Brown, Shawanda George, Susan Lawson and Lucian Culver. She will also be tremendously missed by a multitude of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The life that she lived will never be forgotten.