Lenwood Earl Taylor Sr., affectionately known as "Duck," departed this life on February 1, 2025, at his home in Grasonville, Maryland. He was born on August 9, 1929, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Claude Baker and Virginia Taylor. Elder Taylor was 95 years old at the time of his passing and was a beloved figure in his community and a cherished member of his family.

When he was young, his family moved to Hare Valley, Virginia where he completed his sixth-grade education. His early years shaped the values of hard work, perseverance, kindness, and generosity that he carried with him throughout his life.

He was saved under the leadership of Mother Isabella Finney. He met and married his wife, Anna Weatherly, May 17, 1957, in Franktown, VA. and together they had five children. Due to work, the family moved to Kent Narrows, Maryland, where they later had two more children. Lenwood was a devoted husband and father, always putting his family first, and his love and dedication to them were evident throughout his life.

He was instrumental in helping other families from Virginia make a better life in Maryland, including the Jones family, the Floyds, the Beach family, and many more. His selflessness and desire to help others paved the way for many to find new opportunities and a fresh start in a new place.

In 1958, Lenwood became a member of Welcome Holy Temple under the leadership of Pastor Washington, then continued to serve faithfully under the leadership of Elder Minnie Hackett. He helped with the building of Faith Tabernacle Holiness Church. After the retirement of Elder Hackett, he served alongside his wife as assistant pastor. In that role he and his wife witnessed a great move of God in the surrounding area. Their street services attracted young and old alike. During this time several people gave their lives to the Lord and made Faith Tabernacle their home.

After the death of his wife in 1999, Elder Taylor was installed as pastor of Faith Tabernacle. During his pastorate, he established a second church in Accomac, VA, Faith Tabernacle Holiness Church II. His faith played an important role in his life, and he was always dedicated to his spiritual community and carried his Christian values throughout his life, touching the lives of others with his kindness and generosity.

Some of his achievements include an Honorary Doctorate in Theology and founder of the Pastoral Ministry Alliance. Elder Taylor had a strong work ethic, retiring from ACME after 20 plus years of service. He also worked in the Seafood Industry shucking oysters for many years at B&S Fisheries and was employed by the Queen Annes County Health Department. His love for community manifested in many years of service with DeShields, Bennie Smith, Fooks, Youngs and Henrys Funeral Homes.

Some of his favorite pastimes were playing his guitar, singing, perfecting his humor, and traveling with the Holy Lights. Pastor Taylor enjoyed good food and was known to customers and staff alike at various establishments such as Morrison's Cafe, Holly's restaurant, and Golden Corral, to name a few. He loved a good sweet potato pie and enjoyed eating Bean Soup.

As a father to his community, his prayers and life of holiness touched all that knew him. He became a spiritual father to four spiritual sons, Dr. Lee Washington, Bishop Robert Pritchett, Reverend Allen Gould, and Reverend Randolph Fitchett, and so many others were blessed by his teaching and knowledge of God's Word. Whenever a Scripture was read, you could hear him quoting it line by line from memory. Pastor Taylor enjoyed helping his community, delivering food, providing transportation, opening his home, and studying God's Word.

He was known for saying "Touch Hearts" and "Thank God." His lifelong prayer was granted, and God gave him "a long life, well body, and a saved soul."

He enjoyed fellowshipping with many churches, like Abundant Life Church. Until his passing he was a faithful member of Faith Unity Fellowship Worldwide Ministries, under the Leadership of Bishop Robert Pritchett, where he would ride along with Bro. Grafton Butler and Elder Ricky Green.

Lenwood was preceded in death by his parents Claude Baker, Virginia Taylor; wife, Pastor Anna R. Taylor; daughter, Bishop Arlene Taylor; grandson, Tyrell Taylor; granddaughter, Serena Taylor; siblings: Milton, Kester, John, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Elder Taylor  leaves to cherish his memory and steward his legacy, 7 children: Frank Weatherly (Thelma), Lenwood Taylor Jr. (Fiancé Justine), Larry Taylor (Linda), Candance Taylor (Curtis), Richard Taylor (Carlessa), Presiding Elder Deborah Taylor-Lewis, and Jermaine Taylor; 19 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; foster children, 2 Godchildren: Christina Robinson and Terri Moore, and a host of nieces, nephews, spiritual sons and daughters, family, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Lenwood's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His spirit, kindness, and laughter will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.