Verma E. Taylor , 103 years of age, entered the gates of Heaven on November 27, 2016 at Fort Washington Medical Center. Verma was born May 6, 1913 in Muncie, Indiana to John Leslie and Pearl Roberts. She was one of five children. Her father was a skilled blacksmith who was recognized for his expertise and accomplishments. John relocated the family to Lansing, when commissioned to work in a welding company.  Verma attended Lansing public schools and graduated from Central High School. After graduation, she met and married Jesse L. Scarbrough and from that union were four children: Judith, Jesse, Homer and JoEllen. In 1961, Verma married Frederick T. Taylor. They were married until his passing.

Verma worked as a Teacher's Aide for many years at the Lansing Community Nursery School. After the closing of the nursery school, Verma continued to work as a teacher aide at Main Street Elementary School where she worked until retirement.

Verma was a lifetime member of Friendship Baptist Church. She was active as a member of the Chancel Choir, the Missionary Circle and wherever she was needed. She also worked every summer with Vacation Bible School. Along with the love of singing, Verma enjoyed sewing, shopping and reading, particularly romance novels by Danielle Steel. In her later years, many "Lansingites" might have observed Verma zooming around the Meijer's grocery store on Saginaw Street in an electric cart. Her trips to Meijer's gave her a chance to see many friends.

After an accidental fall, Verma moved with and shared a home with her daughter JoEllen. They lived together for fourteen years. Verma and JoEllen moved to Maryland four years ago to be closer to family. In Maryland, Verma became a member of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, which she attended almost every Sunday. She enjoyed attending many activities with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and recently great-great granddaughters.

Verma was a beautiful woman both inside and outside. She has been an inspiration to her family and everyone that she has come in contact with. God has blessed them to have had her in their lives for so many years. Her love of God has been a light in their lives.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; sister, Lorene Griffith; brothers, Ralph and Homer Roberts; husbands, Jesse L. Scarbrough and Frederick T. Taylor; sons, Jesse L. and Homer Scarbrough.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters, Judith O'Neal (Alioune) and JoEllen Moore; sister, Marceline Williams; grandchildren, Thomas and Jeffrey (Cheryl) Sanders, Janaia and Aleesha Moore; great-grandchildren, Sakari, Dakaar, Joshua, Tiana, Simone, Zion, David Jr. (DJ), and Dallas; great-great granddaughters, Malia Love and Naomi; niece, Corlette Beauchamp; nephew, Michael DeArmand; and a host of other nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Verma E. Taylor will lie in repose Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 3-6pm at Riley Funeral Home, 426 West Saint Joseph Street, Lansing, Michigan.  Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2016, 11:00am at Friendship Baptist Church, 2912 Pleasant Grove Road, Lansing, Michigan.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com .