Yvonne Ann Taylor

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Yvonne Ann Usry Taylor was born May 7, 1934, to the late William Usry and Vera Landin Usry in the Rossville section of Staten Island, NY; also, known as Sandy Ground.   She was an only child. 

She left her earthly home on November 21, 2022, after a prolonged illness.

Yvonne attended PS 3, in Pleasant Plains where she was skipped two grades and later graduated from Tottenville High School.  She majored in Sociology and minored in Education at Hunter College of the City University of NY and received her Bachelors of Arts degree.  She also received her Masters of Arts in Education degree from Hunter College as well as 30 credits beyond her Masters. 

A lifelong educator, Yvonne taught early childhood at PS 44 on Staten Island, Kindergarten – 2nd grade, for 36 years and retired from the NYC Board of Education in 1991.  She was not ready to stop working and served as a Consultant for the Anti-Defamation League for over 15 years as a Diversity Trainer for teachers and corporate executives throughout the United States. 

Yvonne was also very active in the community serving on Community Board 3, as the first President of the Sandy Ground Historical Society, Chairperson of the Seaview Hospital & Home Community Advisory Board as well as active involvement in the Staten Island Chapters of the NAACP and National Council of Negro Women.   In 1984, the Staten Island Advance honored her as a Woman of Achievement.

 Yvonne was a lifelong member of the Rossville AME Zion Church having served as a Class Leader, the pianist for over 60 years, Chairperson the Trustee Board, Superintendent of the Sunday School and a Missionary.

Yvonne leaves to celebrate her life and legacy her daughter Yvette Taylor (Frankie Jordan), grandson Robert Taylor (Carla), granddaughter Noelle Jordan, daughter-in-law Clementine Taylor, sister-in-law Johnnie Taylor (Devon Higginbottham), 3 great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Elmore R. Taylor, son, Walter and grandson, Michael.

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