Celebrating the Life of Doris Ann Young Taylor

June 8, 1954 – October 24, 2026

A Life of Faith, a Heart of Love, and Hands That Served

Some people show their love through words. Our beloved Doris showed hers through the way she lived: caring for family, serving in church, preparing a delicious meal, sewing something special, and doing what needed to be done. Her love could be seen and felt in everyday things, and those are the things we will forever hold close.

Doris Ann Young Taylor was born on June 8, 1954, in Moulton, Alabama. The third of eight children, she was the daughter of the late Minnie Francis Gholston and the stepdaughter of the late W. C. Gholston. She spent her early years in Moulton before moving to Mt. Hope, Alabama, where she graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 1972.

After graduation, Doris moved to Pennsylvania, where she lived with her aunt, the late Emma Sue Echols, and began working. She also became a member of Miracle Church of God in Christ, which became an important part of her life and faith.

Her Faith Was Seen in Her Service

Doris loved the Lord, and she put that love into action. At Miracle Church of God in Christ, she drove the church bus and van, cleaned the church, sang in the choir, and served as the pastor's nurse. Whatever needed to be done, she was willing to help.

She understood that even the work people did not see mattered. Whether she was out front or quietly working behind the scenes, Doris gave her time, her energy, and her heart.

A Love That Grew Into a Lifetime

In 1980, Doris met Kieth Taylor when he joined Miracle Church of God in Christ. On February 3, 1981, he asked for her hand in marriage, and on July 6, 1985, they were united in holy matrimony.

For 41 years, they shared a marriage built on faith, love, commitment, and perseverance. Together, they raised a family, served the Lord, and walked through the joys and challenges of life.

In December 1996, Doris and her husband began their pastoral ministry right in the living room of their home. On April 17, 1997, they established Open Door Church of God in Christ, and Rev. Taylor was formally installed as pastor on December 12, 1998.

Doris helped build and care for that ministry from the beginning. She served as the pastor's wife, church secretary, treasurer, caretaker, and in so many other ways. When there was a need, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Open Door was part of her heart, and she poured so much of herself into it.

Gifted Hands and a Giving Heart

Doris was a masterful seamstress who shared her gift with choirs, pastors, church members, fraternities, and others throughout the community for various occasions. Her creations were truly tailor-made and Taylor-made, crafted with exceptional skill, care, and attention to detail. She also worked as a seamstress for Ohio Valley Industrial Services for 20 years, retiring on October 9, 2026.

Those same hands that worked so skillfully also cared so tenderly for others. Doris lovingly cared for her aunts and extended that care to family, friends, and neighbors. Looking after the people she loved was part of who she was.

The Doris We Knew and Loved

Doris enjoyed bowling, shopping at Walmart, and cooking delicious meals for the people she loved. More than anything, she loved loving on her grandchildren. Keion, Kai, Zo, and Nari held a special place in her heart.

She also enjoyed driving long distances and riding through the community. If you knew Doris, you knew she liked to get where she was going!

And then there were those eyes. Doris did not always have to say a word. One look could tell you everything you needed to know, and if that look was meant for you, you understood it! It's one of the many things that will bring a smile to our faces, even through our tears.

Her strength, her kindness, her humor, and her unmistakable personality are woven into the memories we will carry with us.

Doris treasured the people in her life, both family by blood and those she embraced as

family. She shared a special bond with 99-year-old Mother Akins and her beloved cousin, the late Tabatha (Tabby) Echols. Those relationships, along with the love of her family and church family, meant so much to her.

Forever Loved by Her Family

Doris was preceded in death by her mother, Minnie Francis Gholston; her stepfather, W. C. Gholston; her brothers, Charles and Clyde Young; and her sister, Sybil Young.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 41 years, Rev. Kieth Taylor; her children, Kattina Young and Kieth Taylor Jr.; her grandchildren, Keion, Kai, Zo, and Nari; her brothers, James Young and Sampson Gholston (Tracy); her sisters, Mildred and Yvonne Gholston; her aunts, Annie Fae Gossett, Louise Young, and Samella Young; Mother Akins; the many additional children she lovingly embraced as her own throughout the years; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family, and dear friends.

Her Love Will Always Be With Us

On October 24, 2026, at the age of 72, Doris completed her earthly journey. Our hearts are heavy because we love her, and we will miss her presence in ways words cannot fully express.

We will miss her meals, her laughter, her "you know what I'm saying" looks, her care, and the everyday moments we wish we could have again. We will forever cherish her love and the memories we shared.

We thank God for the years He gave us with her. Through our tears, we find comfort in our faith and in the words of Jesus:

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

— John 11:25, KJV

Doris, you were deeply loved, and you always will be. The love you gave us will continue in the way we care for one another, serve others, and keep your memory close.

Lovingly remembered. Deeply cherished. Forever in our hearts.