Karen Taylor a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 79. Karen’s life was one filled with love, strength, and an unwavering dedication to her family and community.
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Karen left her hometown in 1976 to begin a new chapter in Springfield, Virginia. There, she worked for the U.S. government with the Army and State Department, contributing her talents to serve her country. Later, she became a substitute teacher for the Maryland Public Schools System, inspiring and encouraging countless students. Karen was proud to call Maryland Home, where she lived for over half her life and built a lifetime of cherished memories.
Karen was a woman of incredible resilience and grace. She found joy in life’s simple yet profound moments, including her passion for tennis, which she approached with the same determination and spirit that defined her. Whether on the court or in her daily life, Karen embodied the values of perseverance, hard work, and optimism.
Above all, Karen’s greatest love was her family. She devoted her life to caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, offering support, wisdom, and unconditional love. She instilled in her family the importance of striving for their dreams and never giving up, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
Karen was preceded in death by her mother, John D. Edwards; her father, James T. Edwards; her brothers, Oliver Edwards and Victor Edwards; her sister, Marva Edwards; and her grandson, Chilles Powell; nephew, Samuel White.
She is survived by her children, Jerome Powell and Terrence Powell; her grandchildren, Terrence Powell Jr., Alida Powell, Onisha Powell, Jabari Powell, Tiana Powell, Jhonae Powell, Jaylen Powell and Jamiah Powell; and her great-grandchildren, Stephen Williams, Storm Napper, Tyme Napper, Kush Napper, Nibiru Napper, Sirius Napper, Amani Ash’e, AtumRa Ash’e, Solur Hairston-Ash’e, O’shun Hairston-Ash’e, Koa Powell, Terrence Powell Jr. III, Terriana Powell, Talaya Powell, Lamonta Powell, Cardiar Powell, and Mi’King Powell.
Karen’s kindness and encouragement extended far beyond her family, touching the lives of countless others. She had a remarkable ability to inspire people to believe in themselves and strive to become the best versions of who they were. Her legacy of strength, compassion, and generosity will live on in all who knew her.
Karen Taylor’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, and we will cherish the lessons she taught us about love, resilience, and the power of believing in ourselves. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Friends may call on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will immediately follow. Interment Mount Peace Cemetery.