Darryl Ebbet Taylor

I am the Resurrection and the Life; he who believes in Me even if he dies; shall live and whoever lives and believes in Me, shall never die.  – John 11:25

DARRYL EBBET TAYLOR, son of the late Robert and Louise Taylor, was born in Newark, New Jersey on July 18, 1941. He departed this life silently on February 17, 2021 in Manhattan after a lengthy illness.

He inherited his natural charm from his artistic parents, both gifted in music and acting.  As a child, he was often in the company of young African American stage performers, who became well-known icons – such as, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, to name a few.  His father later went on to perform in film and television.  He was very proud of this rich, family cultural legacy he was privileged to know.

Darryl was an intellectually gifted student, who excelled academically in all of his subjects.  In high school, he enjoyed participating in track meets, winning numerous medals and trophies.  Although he qualified for a four-year college scholarship, he entered the United States Army after graduation.  He was stationed in Europe and received assignments according to his outstanding mental abilities.  He was honorably discharged just prior to the onset of the Vietnam War.

As a young adult, he decided to make Washington, D.C. his permanent residence. He attended Howard University as a student and employee.  He earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree specializing in Mathematics and Quantitative Analysis.  Darryl was quickly perceived by many as a “renaissance man”, who easily conversed on any topic (familiar with several languages) and did well in any interest he chose to pursue.  His eclectic personality embraced playing chess, crossword puzzles, martial arts, astronomy and a love of history and theology – studying origins of civilizations and religions.  He taught himself to play the flute, cook like a chef, and write prolific poetry and essays. He also mastered a variety of musical instruments – the guitar, banjo, African instruments such as the kalimba and the djembe (drum) and dabbled in portrait painting and landscapes.  Darryl never tired of meeting the challenge of engaging new things as a part of his life experience.  

Maintaining friendships was also one of Darryl’s main priorities, which added to his popularity within a circle of intellectuals, who enjoyed gatherings on Sunday afternoons at DuPont Circle.   

While visiting his father in New York City one weekend, he was introduced to a friend’s daughter, Sharon Pettey, age 19, whom he happily married one year later.  It was a very romantic, long distance courtship.  To this union, their son, Malik Ebbet Taylor was born in Washington, D.C.  They resided over the years in lovely apartments, on tree-lined streets in the Northwest section close to the Washington National Zoo.

As an Educator, Darryl was employed by the District of Columbia as a tenured High School Math Teacher for many years, from which he retired.  He also taught on the college level as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the District of Columbia (known then as Federal City College).  He spent most of his summers and holidays as an attentive father traveling across the country with his son, visiting relatives including his father, who had relocated to the Hollywood area of Los Angeles.

He leaves to cherish his memory:  his devoted former wife, Sharon Pettey Taylor, a loving son - Malik Ebbet Taylor; his brother (Lance Devard Taylor, predeceased); first cousins and their immediate families:  William Walter Frazier (Newark, NJ); Everna Brown (Washington, DC); William Irving Brown, predeceased (North Fork, CA); Paul Ashford (San Antonio, TX); Deborah Ashford Loge (San Diego, CA); June Brown Breaux (Upper Marlboro, Maryland); Allen Brown, predeceased (Montclair, NJ); and a host of other relatives, extended family and many caring friends.

In Appreciation 

The Family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the many acts of love,
kindness and concern extended to them during their hour of bereavement. 
Your compassion and generosity will always be remembered.
May God bless you.
 

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