In Loving Memory of my Beloved Son
From Mom, Thelma Brown Taylor Johnson

Brian Winzola Taylor
December 4, 1978 – January 17, 2021

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine.
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in his blood.

THIS IS MY STORY, this is my song,
Praising my savior all the day long.

Is it not great to have God’s assurance to live this life? Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine was my son’s favorite song. Brian was a young teenager when one Sunday at Church service, this song was being sung. He stood beside me and whispered to me, “Mom, he said, I like this song”. When we got home later, he asked me to sing it to him and so we did for the rest of that afternoon. Each time that song was sung, he would sing out loudly then say to me, MOM, THIS IS MY STORY. He carried that song with him to the very end of his life

One year ago on January 17, 2021, our God called you to your eternal home where you are now resting in perfect peace.

You made us proud Brian. Amid illness, you accomplished a lot and was determined to live life to the fullest. We rejoiced on your graduation day from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), because all throughout those four years, you were in and out of hospitals, but your determination was to get that Psychology degree so that you could work with children, and so you did. I sit today and remember you for your charismatic personality, your gentle smile, kindness, intelligence, and smartness. We were always in awe watching you play along with the Jeopardy television game show, and we would ask, how do you know the answers to so many questions? and you would say, I just know, or I read it somewhere? Boy, you were my Jeopardy champion and I still enjoy watching it and thinking of you. You were my SUPERHERO.

My dear beloved son, I missed you and will forever love you. Now, each day of my life, I struggle to remain strong. Only those who really knew us, can attest to the bond we shared. We had so much fun together, teaching you how to drive, traveling, eating out, movies, etc. There are days when I imagine you walking through the door and saying, hey Mom or that I would get a call from you saying I’m on my way home, but those are just my thoughts. So, I thank God for giving you to me and for the love and the bond we shared as Mother and child. Your family and friends loved and missed you dearly, but our God loved you best.

Mom is alone now, but not really because our God is right beside me and giving me the strength to endure day by day. I cry yes, but I cry with hope. Rest in eternal peace my son and continue to watch over me until we meet again.

You are forever in my heart.

LOVE MOM