Franklin Fields Taylor

August 11, 1958 - July 9, 2020

Rev. Franklin Fields Taylor was the third child of Jewel (Sneed) & Vernon Taylor. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He received Christ as his personal savior in 1973 and was baptized by Dr. McKinley Gaither, Bible Way Baptist Church. He graduated from Overbook High School and he left Pennsylvania to attend Arizona State University to play baseball. After an injury, he returned to Pennsylvania and graduated from Philadelphia University (formerly Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science). Later he furthered his education at Philadelphia College of the Bible, Langhorne Manor, PA and Manna Bible Institute, Philadelphia, PA. He received from The Holy Spirit the gifts of Evangelism and Teaching and was licensed to preach the Gospel at the St. Peter’s Community Church of Philadelphia, PA on Father’s Day, June 17, 1979 under the Pastorate of Rev. Thaddeus Taylor, Sr. Rev. Taylor has held numerous positions throughout his career in philadelphia which included: Minister of Education, St. Peter’s Community Church, Chapel Minister, New Life Bible Institute, Director of Home & Foreign Mission, A Regional Representative of the Billy Graham Christian Film Ministry, Sr. Bible Study Instructor & High School Pastor at Bible Way Baptist Church. He relocated to Austin, TX in July 1980 where he continued his work for the Lord as Co-founder and Pastor of the Open Door Baptist Church 1982-1984. He was ordained February 10, 1984 at the Open Door Bible Fellowship. Frank united with St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. E.M. Franklin and became the Minister of Education where he served for 30 years; Team Captain of the Men’s Jail/Prison Ministry, Junior Mission & Brotherhood Advisor, Baptist Training Union Director, Instructor for The National Baptist Congress of Christian Workers, Director of Vacation Bible School, Instructor for the Community Institute of Biblical Studies, Church School Director as well as conducted numerous seminars, workshops, conferences and Bible Studies. Rev. Taylor firmly believed that the Gospel has the power to save, free, change and heal anyone, regardless of race, creed, color or denomination, which he demonstrated throughout his over 40 years of teaching the Good News. Frank, as most so fondly called him, retired from Austin Community College District after 28 years of employment. During his tenure at ACCD he served as the first President of the Austin Area Chapter of the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education for seven years, President of the Black Student Success Committee, as well as received many certificates, awards and accolades. Frank met (at St. James) and married the love of his life, Marilyn Lee Taylor on July 3, 1999 and they were inseparable, they both worked at ACCD. Throughout their 21 years of marriage they travel extensively to Alaska, Poland, Rome & Sweden just to name a few. Frank was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, brother Vernon, Jr. & sister Verlata “V” McClain; he happily joined them at the gates of heaven. Frank’s surviving relatives include his Wife, Marilyn, Son Zregory Norsworthy (Kinga) of Brooklyn, NY, Daughter Zerika Smith (David) of Katy, TX, Sister Vernona Wesson (Raymond), Brother Rev. Thaddeus Taylor, Sr. (Monique) of Philadelphia, PA, Sister Kathy Miracle & Brother In-law Walter McClain of Phoenix, AZ. Grandchildren: Balthazar, Frida & Harper. Nephews & Nieces: JaVern, Thaddeus Jr., Juelz, Amanda, Jazzmine, Allyson & Trinity. Godchildren: Cametria Alexander, Jasmine Castleberry, Rev. Rayshod Caldwell, Nicole Cummings Lewis, Khirah Madison & Danyelle Caldwell; as well as numerous other relatives and dear friends. The Live Celebration Service can be viewed Saturday July 25th on this link:https://livestream.com/accounts/7325565/franklintaylor