Zelma Bond Taylor

Reflection of Her Life

Mrs. Zelma Bond Taylor was a woman who loved people and possessed characteristics of extreme honor and grace. Her life was a reflection of kindness, generosity, patience and understanding. She possessed the "spirit" of Proverbs 31; a virtuous woman. She was deeply respected by her family as the oldest matriarch of the Bond Family.

She departed this life on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at her beloved home of Mansfield, Ohio where she had lived for more than 70 years.

She was born on November 30, 1929, in Brownsville, TN to the union of her late parents: Mr. James T. Bond and Susie Anna Owens. She professed her hope in Christ at an early age at Oakview Missionary Baptist Church.

Zelma attended the Haywood County School system while in Brownsville and later received her Mansfield Senior High School diploma in 1968 with high honors. She joined Mount Calvary M.B. Church after relocating and began serving as a dedicated member in the pulpit ministry as armor bearer to the pastoral team; where she served with dignity and respect until her health began to decline.

For many years, Zelma worked in Early Childhood Education. She was employed at and retired from the First Christian Church Child Care, teaching and caring for many children in the neighborhood, including her own grandchildren whom she endeared as her "three Musketeers."

She was preceded in death by her parents: Mr. and Mrs. James T. Bond; her late husband: Mr. Thomas Taylor; and her brothers: James A. Bond and Theodore Bond.

She is survived by her Children: Homer Kinnon, Jr. of Brownsville, TN, Evangelist Diane Reid (Carnell) of Brownsville, TN, Thomas Lee Taylor of Mansfield, OH, Delores Taylor of Miami, Oklahoma, Rosemarie Taylor Black of Columbus, OH and Robert "Bobby" Taylor of Mansfield, OH; Grandchildren: Keith Reid and Brandon Reid of Brownsville, TN, Durrell Black (Wendy) and Zamir Taylor of Mansfield, OH, Sean Scott of Oakland, CA, Omar McKinney, Christian Taylor and Jay Taylor all of Columbus, OH, Nicole Kinnon of Jackson, TN, Sylvia Taylor, Maria Black, Amara Taylor of Mansfield, OH, Keisha Mosely and Marcia Taylor of Columbus, OH; Sisters and Brothers: Elma B. Rogers (Walter) of Brownsville, TN, Bettye Duckworth (John) of Brownsville, TN, Mildred B. Johnson (Louis) of Muskegon Hts., MI, Rosetta Reed (Rev. Willie Ned) of Gary, IN, John M. Bond (Barbara), Howard Bond (Martha), Robert T. Bond (Melvina) and Marion Pete Bond (Florine) all of Brownsville, TN. in addition to having a host of Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Family and Friends. Zelma shared a special bond with her Special Niece: Angela Johnson ("Mz. Hollywood") and her Special Nephew: the late, Martin Rawls, III "Little Jr".

We are incredibly thankful for the entire Rawls family for all of their help, love and support throughout the years. Now she is finally reunited with her cousin: the late Vera Mae Rawls.

To her devoted caregiver and loving son Bobby, the time and devotion that you have shown to your mother during this trying time was honorable. Always being by her side will never be forgotten. As she always told everyone, "Bobby is taking good care of me!"