Gussie Viola Evans Taylor-Dennis (Edward, Willie) was born in Greenville, SC on August 10,1917. The daughter of the late Blanche and Broadus Evans, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Edward M. Taylor and Willie B. Dennis, along with siblings Anna (Bill) Hayes, James (Mildred, Cora, Barbara) Evans, Wardell (Ruby) Evans, Willie Mae (Perry) Finley, Manuel (Montea) Evans, Alvin (Lucille) Evans and Broadus Jr. (Alyce) Evans. Gussie was called home on February 28th, 2025.

Gussie attended Fountain Inn High School and Betties Academy to which she received a high school and college diploma respectively.  While at Bettis, she earned her tuition by working in the cafeteria, pressing hair, along with financial assistance from her parents and a contribution of crops they had earned that year. Upon receiving her South Carolina Teaching Credential in 1939 from Bettis Academy, the family soon moved to Winston Salem, NC where they purchased their family house on Dunleith Ave.  There, they all became members of First Calvary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Wilson.   While living in Winston, she was employed at R. J. Reynolds and the City Hospital. Gussie soon moved to Philadelphia along with some of her siblings and found a job inspecting cords, which were being shipped off to our troops.

Upon her many visits back to Winston-Salem to visit her parents, a neighbor introduced her to Edward McArthur Taylor, whom she married in 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware. Their move to Newark, NJ, gave them 3 children: Alfred, Denise, and Jacquelyn. In raising her family, she wore many hats! Church was a priority.  Attending Bethany Baptist Church, Gussie was a choir member, evangelist, and part of the Women's League.  Campaigning for the Democratic Party caused her to be an advocate for Civil Rights during the 60's.  Being an Avon Representative for about 10 years kept her looking and smelling good!  As a caretaker for 2 multi-unit apartment buildings, she was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of both properties.  Having resided in Newark for approximately 40 years, and after the passing of her husband Edward, Gussie married her childhood sweetheart Willie and moved to Beverly Hills., Ca

Once moving to Los Angeles, Gussie eventually joined Pilgrim's Hope Bible where she set under the leadership of three pastors.  Known to her church family as Mother Dennis she was loved by pastors and congregation alike. During her time at Pilgrim's Hope Bible Church, she was part of the Women's Ministry and the Mother's Board and loved to participate in their annual fashion show.  Mother Dennis was a devoted member until she moved back to North Carolina.

Gussie moved back to North Carolina and rejoined the family church, First Calvary Baptist. The teaching of the "Word", her profound faith and reverence for God was a priority in her daily walk. Gussie would tell everyone; the Bible was her roadmap and we all should adhere to its teachings.

Throughout her life, Gussie's contributions to her community were numerous. Whether as a teacher, caregiver, or a dedicated member of a church, she made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. Her kindness and generosity were felt by all who knew her. Gussie's influence continues to be remembered and cherished by her family and the many lives she touched.

Gussie is survived by her devoted children, Alfred Stanley Taylor (Hildruth), Denise Taylor, and Jacquelyn Yolonda Taylor; bonus daughters, Louise Emeka and Deborah Pryor; her grandchildren, Sandee Sealy -Jacobs Bobby C. Williams III, and Tai-Del E. Taylor; bonus granddaughter, Ymani Hampton; her great-grandchildren, Allisan , Alysa, D'Allan, Alston, William, Alani, Robert, and Jackson; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever carry on her legacy. Gussie leaves behind a life well-lived, filled with love, faith, and the wisdom of a woman who truly understood the value of service to others.

Gussie's life was a testament to the strength of family, the importance of community, and the enduring power of faith. Gussie will be missed by all, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, March 7, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, March 8, 2025 at First Calvary Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.

Special acknowledgements to Dr. Katherine Austin Bohanon, KeJuan Biggs, Glenda Cockerman, Hythia Evans, Dianne Shillingford, and her Healthcare Team

Rest in peace, Gussie Viola Evans Taylor-Dennis. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

A heartfelt thank you for being a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who raised her family with love, compassion, and strong values. Gussie's legacy is one of resilience, determination, and selflessness. Gussie demonstrated the importance of hard work, family, and community service.