Gilbert C.A. Taylor

Gilbert Abesordu Claudius Taylor passed away on June 21, 2022, at age 71, in Bowie Maryland, USA. He was the second of three children (both preceded in death) born to late Herbert and Gladys (nee Cole) Taylor on December 28, 1950, in Freetown Sierra Leone. 

Gilbert survived by his Children Gilberta Taylor-Lewis, Claud Taylor, Kevin May in the USA, Alimatu Taylor-Moore in Freetown, and Dennis Taylor; Grandchildren Vanessa Perry, Alexander Perry in USA, Abdul Salaam, Moulana Majtabah, and Denma Moore in Freetown; Sister Zainabu Taylor In France; Adopted Brother Quinton Okon-Thomas in USA; Sons-In-Law Derrick Lewis In USA and Dennis Moore In Freetown; Sister-In-Law Madeline Morsha Taylor In USA; Nieces and Nephews Dr. Babafemi Johnson, Adewumi Johnson, Conrad Johnson, Gladys Whyne, Ebun Taylor, and  Ayodeji Taylor Cousins Rev Lois Temple, Nat Cole, Austin Cole, Austina Caramba-Coker, Harry Cole, Dr. Donald Taylor Dr. Daphne Taylor, Dr. Dennis Taylor, Dr. Dandeson Panda, Patrick Cole, Godfrey Cole, Gladys John, Dr. Conrad Cole,  Dr. Ian Cole, Antoinette Fergusson. Desmond Cole, Bola Thomas; Daisy Cole, Oni Bami Cole; Ola Beckley Other Relatives The Cole, Taylor, May, Thomas, Panda, Beckley, Caramba-Coker, Lewis, Perry, Martin, Nancy Daramy, Haja Isha Coker; Whitfield Close Friends Dr. Ebenezer Solo Collier, Joanis Maiah, Lansana Lemon, Other Friends and Relatives In USA, Freetown, and the Diaspora.

Gilbert attended the Holy Trinity Boys School and the Sierra Leone Grammar School for both primary and secondary education in Freetown. He worked at the Aureol Tobacco Company. Then, continued his education in Russia where he attained a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. Upon his return to Freetown, he was a senior teacher in subjects Math, Add-Math, and Physics at The Bishop Johnson Secondary School. Gilbert taught until he immigrated to the United States. He furthered his education with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering concentrating in Construction at The Strayer University in Maryland, USA. He worked as the Director of Engineering at The Patuxent Correctional Facility and The St. Elizabeth Hospital, before becoming an entrepreneur for Salone, LLC.

Like his father, Gilbert (known to many as Besordu) had a strong commitment to his Anglican faith and church. In Freetown he was devoted to the All Saints Church, Kissy Road where he served in the choir. In the United States he found his home church at the Church of Our Saviour to which he selflessly devoted his services.  He held several positions to include but not limited to People’s Warden, Treasurer of the Men’s Organization, Facility Manager, and Vestry Member.  The church was everything to him and he made it his sacred duty to serve God through the church.

He was a member of the Sierra Leone Grammar School Alumni Association of North America, Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter where he supported the work of the school, and the Alma Mater. He was also a member of the Hastings Descendant Hunting Society in Freetown, following the footsteps of his father.

Gilbert was well known for his rascal, straight to the point, and “what you see is what you get” personality. He enjoyed engaging in conversations and looked for opportunity to teach. He was grounded in fundamental values and anchored in his love for humanity.

Above all Gilbert cherished his family and was devoted to his children and grandchildren. He also ensured he kept in touch with family members and assist in any way he could.

Gilbert Abesordu Claudius Taylor joins his parents, sister Gloria Johnson and brother Morsha Taylor in the blissful paradise of heaven. As we celebrate the life he shared with us, a million times we will miss him, a million times we will cry. However, we know he sleeps in the Lord blissfully, and we pray that God grants him eternal rest.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE

The funeral service will take place at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, Silver Spring, Maryland USA on Saturday July 9, 2022, at 10.00 am. Interment at The Maryland National Memorial.