Letitia Taylor

Letitia Lynch Taylor , 94, died Friday, October 26, 2012, in Lowell, NC.

Letitia was born September 14, 1918, in Kingsport, TN, to Robert Lee Lynch and Sarah Jane Lynch.

Letitia's life is highlighted by the fact that she was a dedicated mother to her three children, Mary Anne, Robert and Alfred and a hard working professional. She began her professional career by becoming an accomplished seamstress, making career and wedding attire while raising her three small children alone. Because of her known integrity and character she was appointed church secretary and bookkeeper for the First Baptist Church in Kingsport, TN.

Widowed at the early age of 36, Letitia began a very successful career. With an entrepreneurial spirit she acquired real estate. Beginning with a property she inherited from her father, she converted the two story home into four apartments with the purpose of supporting her three children. She subsequently purchased several additional properties during the 1950's.

Letitia was a self-made woman and a catalyst for change. She moved to Washington D.C. and became the First Female Assistant Manager to the prestigious Army Navy Club, at a time when even female officers were only permitted to enter through the rear entrance.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Sarah Lynch; her husband, Robert Love Taylor; sister, Emma Click; and son, Robert Love Taylor, Jr.

Letitia is survived by her daughter, Mary Anne Conte, of Cape Coral, FL; son, Alfred A. Taylor, of Gatlinburg, TN; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Mollie Click.

There will be a memorial service Saturday, November 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Hamlett-Dobson Chapel, Kingsport, with Pastor Jeff Davis officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at Hamlett-Dobson.