Pastor Tony A. Taylor (October 21, 1960 – February 8, 2024)

Visitation: Sunday, February 25, 2024
Visitation Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Visitation Location: Mt. Sinai Seventh Day Adventist Church
2600 Orange Center Boulevard
Orlando, Florida

Service Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Mt. Sinai Seventh Day Adventist Church
2600 Orange Center Boulevard
Orlando, Florida

Obituary:

Pastor Tony A. Taylor, born on October 21, 1960, in New Haven, Connecticut, is the second child of John R. Taylor and Ruth N. Walker-Taylor. Growing up in a vibrant extended family, Pastor Taylor was immersed in a culture of good food and enjoyable activities. He developed a love for sports such as tennis, basketball, and football, as well as artistic pursuits like playing the Conga drums and fishing, which he continued to enjoy into adulthood. Additionally, he discovered a passion for wood crafting later in life.

During his formative years, Pastor Taylor attended an Adventist Elementary school before transitioning to Hillhouse High School, where he graduated in 1979. Following his high school education, he pursued higher studies at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. It was during this time that he felt a calling to share God’s message with others throughout his life’s lourney.

In 1984, Pastor Taylor successfully completed a dual degree program in Theology and Social Work at Oakwood University. Shortly after, he was hired by the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist in New York. Seeking further education, Pastor Taylor enrolled at Andrews University in 1 989, where he obtained his Master of Divinity degree.

Pastor Taylor’s journey at Oakwood University not only led him to a profound spiritual calling but also brought him the greatest love story of his life. It was during his time there that he crossed paths with Laura Berg, a captivating soul who would become his lifelong partner.

Their love blossomed and flourished, culminating in a breathtaking wedding ceremony in 1985 on the enchanting island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Laura’s birthplace. From this union, two beautiful children, Tony Jr. and Talik, were brought into the world, a testament to the love and commitment shared by Pastor Taylor and his beloved wife.

For the past 38 years, Pastor Taylor and Laura have embarked on a remarkable journey of both marriage and ministry. Together, they have dedicated their lives to spreading God’s message of hope and salvation to a world in desperate need of a savior Their unwavering devotion to each other and their shared mission has been a source of inspiration and strength, as they navigate the challenges and joys that life brings.

Their love story is a testament to the power of love, faith, and the profound impact that two souls united in purpose can have on the world. Through their unwavering commitment to each other and their shared mission, Pastor Taylor and Laura continue to touch the lives of many, offering a beacon of hope, spreading the message of God’s forgiveness and the beauty of salvation to all who encounter them.

Pastor Taylor’s impactful service extends to numerous congregants within the Northeastern Conference and Southeastern Conference of SDA. Upon embarking on his ministry in the Southeastern Conference at Bethel SDA church in Gainesville, FL he was instrumental in establishing the SHELTER FROM THE STORM ministry in the community. Which continues to provide a shelter and Christ for those transitioning from correctional living. Recently, he was elected by the constituents of the Southeastern Conference to assume the esteemed role of Adventist Community Service (ACS) Director in March 2022. With unwavering dedication and a divinely inspired creative mind, Pastor Taylor wholeheartedly embraced this new position.

Drawing upon his God-given talents, Pastor Taylor crafted a visionary plan for the Southeastern Conference ACS, guided by the motto: “Meeting needs, Sowing seeds, and Reaping a harvest of souls for Christ.” Recognizing the power of multimedia, he pioneered the development of Community Ministry Moments, captivating video presentations showcasing local church events on the conference website.

In his pursuit of innovation, Pastor Taylor meticulously designed an office studio, envisioning a podcast platform to further amplify the impact of Community Ministry Moments. Regrettably, his aspirations were curtailed by an untimely illness, which regrettably interrupted his tenure as ACS Director.

On February 8th, a tragic event unfolded as Pastor Taylor peacefully passed away, with his wife by his side, returning the breath of life to his creator While his physical presence may have departed, the impact of his ministry continues to reverberate through the lives he touched. Sadly, Pastor Taylor’s parents and father-in-law had already passed away before him, adding to the weight of this loss.

Left behind to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Laura, and their two sons, Tony Jr. and Talik. Additionally, his sister, Tanya Taylor, and mother-in-law, Eleanor Berg, mourn his departure. The extended family includes his brothers-in-law Boyd Berg (Fay) and Pastor Trent Berg (Delrose) as well as sisters-in-law Charlene Berg, Juliet Berg, Julie Berg and Tess Berg. The grieving circle expands further to encompass numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins, all grappling with the void left by Pastor Taylor’s absence.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 10 AM until services begin at 11:00AM, Mt. Sinai Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2600 Orange Center Boulevard, Orlando with Dr. David Smith, officiating. Interment: Rose Hill Cemetery, Kissimmee.