Luvenia M. Taylor

Luvenia Mildred Watts Gaines Taylor was born May 24, 1930 in Phillips, MS. At six months of age, she was taken by her parents, Willie and Hannah Watts (deceased), to live in Chicago, IL. Luvenia attended Burke Elementary and St. Elizabeth High School in Chicago. She graduated from IL State University in 1951 with a BS in education. She received her MA degree from Governors State University. Luvenia spent many years in the field of education as a Speech Pathologist, Clinical Consultant for ISU, summer instructor for IL Correctional System and as the first Black Elementary School principal for Cunningham and Farragut schools. She was the first Black therapist at McKinley Park School. Luvenia pursued her career choices in Madison and Bloomington IL. Luvenia retired from the Joliet school system in 1990. She was a dedicated member of NAUW (National Association of University Women)

Luvenia was baptized at Southwestern Baptist Church in Chicago at an early age.  She transferred her membership to Christ Universal Temple in 1976. Luvenia is survived by three children Andre Gaines (Valerie) Joliet, Keith Gaines (Bernestine- deceased) Milwaukee, Karen C. McElrath (Donnie-deceased) Joliet; adopted daughter Daven Lynn Smith; adopted granddaughter Angel Olden-Coe. Four step-children Terry Taylor (Nena) Maryland; Saundra Taylor, Las Vegas; Brenda Taylor, California, Dawn Taylor (deceased).  Luvenia has nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 19 great-great grandchildren. A host of cousins, friends and relations.

Luvenia travelled the world to Africa, Egypt, Israel, Portugal, Australia, Alaska, Jamaica, Mexico, Greece, St. Thomas, St. Martin and more.  She always encouraged her family to travel and experience the world around them.

Luvenia left a personal message to her family: “I love all of you very much and do not want you to be too sad about my demise. I have lived a great life being blessed by loving parents and loving children and grandchildren. Remember all the good times we had together. Continue to love each other, respect each other, support each other and most importantly of all, give thanks to God for all the years we have had together. Continue to have a sense of humor, laughter cures many ills and problems. Again, life has been a blast with you all. Love you, Su Madre”.

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