Vivian Slater Taylor

Vivian Slater Taylor, born on February 22, 1963, in Detroit, Michigan, was the youngest of seven siblings. Sadly, Helen M.Slater, Kenneth Slater, and Gloria Clement preceded her in death. Vivian was a cheerful and bubbly child who loved to read and learn throughout her childhood. She even learned to play the flute at her beloved Cass Tech High School in Detroit, Michigan. Everyone who knew Viv was enchanted by her infectious laughter. She had a warm and engaging personality and was knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects. Viv was simply a delight to be around. During her college years at Eastern Michigan University, Vivian discovered the Gospel through Campus Crusade for Christ. She firmly believed in the Lord Jesus Christ for her salvation and dedicated herself as a summer missionary in the inner city of Chicago. This transformative experience led her to meet many lifelong friends among the fellow believers. Notably, she became close to a young man named Harry Taylor, III, who had also participated in the Chicago summer missionary project. Their friendship blossomed into a brief but sincere and intentional courting period. In August 1991, the renowned couple exchanged vows. Harry, known for his distinctive and resonant baritone bass voice, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Vivian titled “Your Love Will Always Be Enough for Me.” This auspicious occasion marked the beginning of a three and a quarter-decade-long marriage, during which they embarked on numerous years of travel, ministry, and shared adventures. Vivian, a Biology major from DePaul University Chicago, earned her bachelor’s degree and subsequently pursued a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago. Throughout her career, Vivian has held diverse positions at esteemed healthcare and social service organizations, including Jardine Group Services Insurance Company, Christian Community Health Center, LaRabida Children’s Hospital, Southside Help Center, One Hope United, Carole Robertson Center For Learning and Civic Leadership Foundation. For over two decades, Vivian utilized her skills as a professional grant writer, assisting organizations in securing funding. Her unwavering dedication to serving others, coupled with her exceptional commitment as a seasoned grant writer, consistently enabled her to secure funding for various charitable causes. Vivian’s expertise extended beyond securing funding; she excelled in building community partnerships, mentoring young associates, and assisting nonprofits in measuring their impact. This expertise allowed her to raise millions of dollars annually for children, youth, and families in Chicago. Vivian’s recognition extended beyond her professional accomplishments when she was selected to serve on an esteemed committee of professionals. This committee reviewed grants submitted to various government agencies, providing feedback and recommendations for approval. Additionally, Vivian offered mentorship and advice to individuals and small business owners seeking to utilize grants as a tool to fund their projects or ideas. In 2012, Vivian’s older sister, Helen, passed away. To honor her memory, Vivian and Harry decided to welcome Vivian’s brother, Bernard, into their loving home in Chicago. Over the years, Vivian and Harry were actively involved in various churches. Harry served as an Elder, worship leader, and soloist, while Vivian dedicated herself to different ministries, including Women’s Ministry and she was a baking enthusiast who made everyone’s mouth water with her homemade goodies, from cakes and pies to breads, cookies, and brownies. Cooking was her creative outlet and a way to express her affection for others. Despite years of battling cancer, Vivian remained steadfast in her unwavering optimism and joy. After a valiant struggle, her heart yearned to reunite with Jesus, her Savior. On February 27, 2025, Vivian peacefully passed away, leaving behind an indelible legacy of love and faith. She expressed her gratitude to the compassionate staff of Northwestern Medicine GI Oncology Department, The Block Center of Skokie, Illinois, and Northwestern Medicine Palliative and Hospice. Vivian says goodbye to her beloved husband, Harry Taylor, III; her brothers, Henry Crayton, James Slater, and Bernard Slater; her mom-in-law, Ethel Taylor; her dad-in-law, Harry Taylor, Jr.; her brother-in-laws, Ortez Nathan Taylor, Harry Simmons (Natalie); her sister-in-laws, Louise Slater, Gloria “Candy” Jordan, Lauren Taylor, Asjah Ray (Detrique); her nieces: Marsha Slater, Marie Slater, Alicia Clement, Erriel Taylor, Angel Taylor, Jakah Taylor, Kaile Taylor, and Sage Ray; her nephews: Clarence M.J. Nash, Anthony R. Slater, Marc P. Slater, James Clement, Devin Simmons, Blake Simmons, Jaren Taylor, Detrique Ray Jr, Cedric Casimier, Pierre Casimier, Pascal Casimier, and Ethik Taylor; her goddaughter, Melody Johnson; and a bunch of cousins, family members, and dear friends.

Vivian Slater Taylor

February 22, 1963 - February 27, 2025