Terri Melissa Smith Taylor , wife of Mr. Glen Eugene Taylor, transitioned from this life on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.  Born on December 21, 1961, in Newport News, Virginia, she was the daughter of Edward Lee Smith, Jr., and the late Mary Magdalene Bowens Smith.  She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend to many.  The care and attention with which God created her manifested in her life and the many lives she touched.

A 1980 graduate of  Hampton High School, she matriculated at Virginia State University where she majored in music.  She was a member of the Trojan Marching Band and a member of the Gospel Choir. After college, Terri started a career at the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board.  She was a dedicated Community Services Associate II for 24 years until her passing.  During those 24 years, Terri also began servicing students at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind for several years.  In August of 2010, Terri received an Associate of Science Degree with a major in Social Science and a specialization in Education.

As a dedicated member of Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News her entire life, Terri was very involved in the music ministry.  She directed the Beams of Hope children's choir with her mother and continued until her recent illness.  Terri started the singing group United By Christ (UBC) in 2000 in her home with teenagers from the church which would subsequently lead her to establish 'Terri's Music Camp' at Ivy Baptist Church during the summer to give kids the opportunity to learn an instrument and to just have something fun to do.  Throughout her years at Ivy Baptist Church, she sang with and directed many choirs as well as participated as a member of the praise team and the Ivy Baptist band.

Terri was predeceased by her mother, Mary Magdalene Bowens Smith in July of 2002.  Left to cherish her memory is the love of her life, Glen Eugene Taylor, affectionately known as "Terri's Husband". They were joined in holy matrimony on June 30, 2001.  He treated her like the Queen she was as he vowed to do so in sickness and in health until death shall part them.   Also left to cherish her memory is her father, Edward Lee Smith, Jr.; brother Edward Donnell Smith (Iva); nephews Jordan Ali Smith & Justice Amani; a host of nieces and nephews, a multitude of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and 4 sisters-in-law.

A musical tribute honoring Terri Smith Taylor will take place on Friday, January 19th at Ivy Baptist Church Family Life Center, Newport News, Virginia from 6pm-8pm.

A celebration of Terri Smith Taylor's life will be held on Saturday, January 20th at Ivy Baptist Church Family Life Center at 11am.  Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.

A special thank you to two special 'Sister Cousins' Lavoris 'Candy' Minor and Angela Noel as well as 'Daughter' Aisha Noel who did not waiver in their support of Terri and Glen through the years and during such a difficult time as this.  May God bless you for your unselfish love, kindness, and service!

Viewing will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 from 11:00 a.m, until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. A homegoing celebration will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Ivy Baptist Church, 50 Maple Avenue, Newport News, Va. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.

If you would like to donate to Ms.Terri's Creative Arts Scholarship , please contact Ivy Baptist Church , 50 Maple Avenue, Newport News,Va.23607 (757) 244-8165 .