Michael Taylor Obituary

Michael Kenneth Taylor was born in Cleveland Ohio on January 12,1956 to parents Dorothy and Kenneth Taylor. He was the eldest nephew of the whole Taylor family. In 1963, the birth of Michael's "baby sister" Gina, as he always called her, would complete the Taylor family.
Michael attended Cleveland Public Schools as a youngster and later attended Saint Henry Catholic School, now known as Archbishop Lyke School and graduated from Benedictine High School in 1973.
Michael attended college at Central State University where he majored in engineering and in education. Michael received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. In starting his career, Michael was employed with law firm Thompson, Hine and Flory as a supervisor in the reprographics department from 1979 to 1987. Michael bounced around for a few years with different jobs but he found his true calling at Cuyahoga Community College in 1990. Michael worked in the College Information and Enrollment Office and in the Student Services Dept. He was also a GED Instructor. He loved his job and he loved helping students succeed. Michael spent 30 years at Tri-C Eastern Campus and retired in July 2021.
Michael married Elaine Taylor and their union would last 22 years. We as a family smiled about how she never had to change her last name. Unfortunately, Michael and Elaine's marriage ended in divorce. In 2007, Michael met his longtime companion Linda Gwinn- Fergurson. Michael and Linda met on a blind date at the Bahama Breeze restaurant. The meeting was magical as they gazed into each other's eyes. Michael truly adored Linda and he felt that he had met his true love. Their relationship continued for 17 years. Michael did not have any children of his own however, Linda's family became his family.
Later, Michael and Linda found their faith at Affinity Missionary Baptist Church. Michael was baptized and later accepted as Brother Mike.
Michael had his friends from his childhood street Delrey Ave. Leonard Jennings, Carl Cary, Kevin and Derek Ford, Carlton and Bruce. There is 60 years of history with them to the point in which they shared a birthday celebration in honor of Michael at his favorite restaurant The Red Lobster two years ago. Michael was so happy and surprised to see everyone. He was truly grateful to his sister Gina and her husband Phillip for pulling the gathering together.
Leonard Jennings had this to say about Michael when they first met. "My recollection of meeting Michael was around the age of five or six years old on a snowy day. I remember it being all white and snowy outside. Parents in those days said go outside and play. I go outside and look down the street about five houses down and see a figure dressed in a blue snowsuit with a very infectious smile on his face. Michael had long black curly locs of hair showing from under his hood. We did not speak to each other, all I remember is the smiles that we exchanged. I went home and told my mom that I had a new girlfriend. It was love at first sight."
Carl Cary had this to say about Michael. "Michael and I have been friends since we were five years old. I lived next door to him on Delrey. Michael was a good athlete, playing basketball or football. I remember him playing the flute. It was a sad day when the Taylors moved from Delrey. We remained best friends along with my brother Ernie. So many memories that I could go on forever. Michael was a kind and honest man. I'll miss you my brother."
Michael leaves to mourn his sister Gina Taylor-Foster, brother- in- law Phillip, niece Brianna, his beloved significant other Linda Gwinn Ferguson and her family Miguel, Monique and Robert, his uncle Ralph Taylor(Phillis), Diane Taylor cousins Terri (Tim) Robert Fields, Jeanette (DeAndre), and a host of family in Alabama and Texas.
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