Miss Dora Jean Taylor of 609 East 4th Avenue, Cordele, Georgia, died Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Emory/St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

Heeyyy!  This Dora!  Yes, Dora Jean Taylor.  I was born on August 8, '55 in Rochelle, Georgia (Wilcox County).  My daddy was Joe Taylor and my mama was Daisy Mae Griffin-Taylor.  I have one big sister, Lona Mae  Taylor.

When we were young, our daddy moved us to Gainesville, Florida.  I loved working alongside him on our farm, and I  enjoyed every moment spent cooking in the kitchen with my mama.  Those memories shaped me.

When my father passed away, I took on a new role.  I was in charge of the girls.  I became the housekeeper and caregiver of our home, doing my best to support and uplift my family.

Later, with the help of my cousins Lillian Taylor, Linda Taylor, and Mae Eva Johnson, we moved to Co'dele, Georgia.  I am forever grateful to Aunt Delree Griffin-Rogers and Aunt Ladybell Griffin-Johnson (my mama's sisters) for taking us in and helping us get settled. They were truly our lifesavers.  After their passing, my cousin Glory Rogers-Mapp stepped in to care for Lona and me.  Her love and thoughtfulness were gifts I will always treasure.

I was blessed to have had the love and support of my cousins Mary Rogers-Adams and Jerome Adams.  When I became  seriously ill in 2000, they opened their home to me.  They were not just my relatives, but they were my friends and I hold the memories of fun times together.  They provided love, prayer, and financial support until I joined my parents in heaven on April 19, 2025.

In my last chapter of life, a devoted circle of family friends stood by my side to the very end.  I want to give my deepest thanks to Jerome and Mary Adams, Jesse Rogers (Helen), Lady Beryl  Patrick, Barbara McGill Dennis (Johnny), Mary Royal (Buford Jr.), and the Usher Board of       Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, all of Co'dele, Georgia.  Your   prayers, kind words, get well cards, birthday gifts, and financial support lifted my spirit more than you'll ever know.  And thank you Johnny and Barbara McGill-Dennis for always making sure I get free meals and free holiday dinners.

Thank you also to Charles Rogers (Atlanta, Georgia), Wenda Johnson (South Fulton, Georgia), Keyoka Holland (Valdosta, Georgia) Jesse and D. Freda Rogers-Street (Jonesboro, Georgia) and Kay Lillard-Mitchell (Atlanta, Georgia) for opening your homes to us during our travels for medical care.  Your warm hospitality and kindness will never be forgotten.

As I leave this world to join my parents in heaven, I send my heartfelt  farewell to my beloved sister, Lona Mae Taylor, my cousins, the Rogers Family (Georgia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Detroit, Michigan, and New York), the Johnson Family (Georgia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), and the Taylor family, (Jacksonville, Florida), the Elie Family (Las Vegas, Nevada, and my dear friends at New Oak Grove Baptist Church, Emmanuel  Missionary Baptist Church, KFC, Captain D's and Wal-Mart employees.

To my babies in my head, Nikki, Ree-ree (Rell) Kia, Lance, Milana, and Mahogany bye-bye my sweet babies.