Vera Selena Barnes Taylor was born to Lester M. Barnes and Lillian Barnes on February 5, 1943 in Winston-Salem, NC.  The youngest of four daughters, she was affectionately known as "Lean" to family and friends.

Vera grew up in Winston-Salem and attended the Forsyth County Schools.  Vera's first job was at K&W Restaurant where she met her husband of fifty years, Jesse Lee Taylor.  She later worked for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company and retired from there.

Jesse and Vera became husband and wife on December 24, 1967.  From this union produced four exceptional and outstanding children.  Vera accepted Christ in her life while attending Shiloh Baptist Church.  She later became a member at Gethsemane Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she fellowshipped until her passing.  At Gethsemane, she was an active member of the Missionary Circle, Senior Choir, Usher Board, Pastor's Aid, and the Sunday school.  She was an active member of the Eastern Stars, Queens of Olympic Chapter, Hands of Jericho, Duck Lassiter Court #15, Elizabeth Court #7, and Cyrene Crusade.  She was also a member of the Easton Sick Flower Club.

Vera was a Godly woman who opened up her home, her heart, and wallet to anyone in need whether you were family, friend, or church member. She was there whenever you called, no matter the time or place.

Vera was a faithful and loyal friend.  Through her many trials and tribulations and ill health, Vera stayed positive and always had a smile on her face.  She also had a wonderful Spirit.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Lester & Lillian Barnes; and her sisters, Minnie "Patsy" Pearson and Helen Caldwell Moore.

Vera leaves to mourn her loving husband of fifty years, Jesse L. Taylor; daughters, Treva R. Taylor, Torria L. Taylor, and niece, Deshawnda Blackmon all of W-S, NC; sons, Terrence L. Taylor of Dallas, TX and Clarence Taylor of Atlanta, GA; her devoted and loving sister, Devenia B. McLeod; two grandchildren, Calia Martin Taylor and Tyquan Huntley both of NC; brothers and sisters-in-law, John (Dorothy) Taylor, Frank (Stephanie) Taylor, Terry (Cheryl) Taylor, Lucille Fair, Donna (Michael) Braddy, and Cheryl Stewart; a host of loving nieces and nephews; her sisters and brother-in-Christ and dear friends, Ruth Taylor, Eula Colter, Joyce (James) Brown, Ada Moorman, Mildred Ashby, Natalie Strut, and Russell and Natalie Daniel.  If you knew her you were family……

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, May 18, 2018 at Gethsemane Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Robert Dikes officiating.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.  The family visitation will be held from 1:00pm until 2:00pm on Friday at the Church.