Betty Jean (Carter) Taylor

Betty Jean Taylor was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 16, 2021. She was born on April 4, 1958 in Brantley, Alabama to Minister Houston Carter and Barbara “Bobbie” Ridgeway.  Betty was known as a fun-loving and gentle spirit lady. 

Betty was a devoted Christian.  She accepted Jesus at an early age and received a license to minister.  Her favorite book in the Bible was “the Book of Revelations.” Betty was always studying the Word to see where God was leading His people, preparing for that Great Return of Christ.  Throughout her life, her love for God grew as well as her love for people.  On June 5, 2004, she married, Mr.  Edward “Eddie” Taylor.  The two were a dynamic dual for the Kingdom of God.  They worked together to spread the Gospel of Jesus wherever they found themselves.  One of the things that Betty loved to do was travel.  Whether she was visiting with her daughters in Dayton, OH and Greensboro, NC or some other location, she always took the opportunity to share her faith with others.  She was concerned for the salvation of all that she came into contact with.  Her love for God and for others led her to volunteer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency known as FEMA to aid families in recovering from natural disasters. 

Betty was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School in Niagara Falls, NY.  Growing up, Betty had a passion for graphic arts and so she enrolled and graduated from Niagara Community College with a Graphic Arts degree.  This degree landed her a job with the Niagara Gazette as an administrator.  Later, Betty would find employment with the Small Business Administration (SBA) in Niagara Falls as an SBA administrator.  Betty’s last place of employment was with Healthy Families in Niagara Falls as a Community Social Advocate.  This was her most memorable job, one that became her passion, helping families to obtain healthy lives.  

Betty was a woman of style, class, and hospitality.  She loved to cook and host family dinners and parties where she prepared soul food. Everyone loved Betty’s collard greens, macaroni and cheese, pound cake, banana pudding, and homemade dressing, just to name a few. Cooking for family and friends gave her joy and she did it so well, cooking everything from scratch with quality ingredients! No box food for her loved ones. Everyone knows Betty loved to dress sharp. She dressed elegantly with class and style. If Betty was present, she looked good! Spending family time meant so much to Betty. She loved her daughters and grandchildren. They were the apple of her eye. Betty also loved to dance. Her beautiful smile would radiant throughout the room as she listened and dance to music.  One of her favorite songs was “Snap—I got the power” and the power she had when she moved onto the dance floor.  She danced with such grace, freedom, and joy. 

Betty was preceded in death by her father, Minister Houston Carter; grandparents, Jack and Annie Ridgeway, and her husband, Mr. Edward Taylor.  To cherish her memories, Betty leaves her mother, Barbara Carter; three daughters, Chanikka Davis, Natieya (Shawn) Still, and Camilla Carter Bass; nine grandchildren, Chanikka Welch, Jeffery Welch, Keniaha Sheard, Charlie Payne, Niobe Taylor, Nahara Still, Ahrianna Still, Israel Bass and Laira Still; one great-grandson, David Phelps; four siblings, Yvette Carter, William Carter, Priscilla Carter, and Larry Carter, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.   

The family will be present on Saturday, September 25th from 10-11 a.m. at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007) where Betty’s Home Going service and Life Celebration will begin at 11 a.m. Prayers of committal and interment will follow in Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Friends invited. Professional arrangements are under the care of the Goodlander family.  Share condolences and view Betty’s tribute video at GOODLANDERCARES.com

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