Obituary of Terricita Taylor

Terricita Taylor (nee Bennett) (Terry), was the eldest of nine children born to the late Allen Bennet Jr. & the late Helen Bennett (nee Sims) on April 3, 1950 in Atlantic City NJ. She was raised in Mays Landing, NJ and educated through the public school system. While in High School, she enjoyed and kept herself busy playing girls field hockey and archery. She graduated from Oakcrest High School in 1969.

After graduation, Terry began working at the Vineland State School. It was during this time she and the late Eugene Deal became a couple and in 1972 were blessed to welcome their daughter Shonda Bennett into their union. She continued working and raising her daughter with the help of Aunt Cleo Brown, who was affectionately known as Nana.

In 1973, she met & fell in love with Miller Taylor aka Rosie and on July 4, 1976, they exchanged their vows and remained married for 45 years. They further blessed their family with the birth of their son, John Taylor in 1977 followed by the birth of their daughter, Shirley Taylor in 1981.

Terry was known for the love she had for children and in 1980 she and her husband Rosie became foster parents for many years. While fostering they further enlarged their family with the adoption of Adolphus aka Dolphie in 1979 who later passed away due to his health condition in 1985. They were not swayed by illness or life expectancy, continuing to grow their family with the adoption of Dolphie's siblings Justin, Felicia aka Fefe and Jason in 1985. Then in 1986 they completed their family with the adoption of Michael. 

Terry was a hard worker and worked for the state of New Jersey for over 28 years. She worked at The Vineland Children’s Residential Treatment Center until her retirement in 2004 when she suffered a debilitating stroke. Being the strong woman that she was, she made major milestones and was able to rehab her way back to being able to walk, talk, and do many things for herself, as well as keep watch over her grandchildren whom she adored. 

On December 15, 2021, she suffered another debilitating stroke. Unfortunately, she was unable to recover and on December 26, 2021, she was called home.

Terry was predeceased by both of her parents and one younger sibling, Eva. She is survived by her husband Miller Taylor her children Shonda Bennett of Minotola Nj, John Taylor (Stephanie) of Vineland NJ, Justin Taylor of Newark NJ, Felicia Taylor of Vineland NJ, Shirley Taylor of Vineland NJ, Jason Taylor of Bridgeton NJ, Michael Taylor of Virginia. Her grandchildren Alicia, Jenese, Terricita, Jessica, Dayshawn, Justina, Dayohn, Brandon, Jaelyn, Adalia. Her siblings Tanya Bennett of Camden NJ, Anthony Wayne Bennett of Montclair NJ, Melissa Bennett Moye aka Lisa of Mays Landing NJ, Pamela Bennett aka Pam of Atlantic City NJ, Theodora Bennett aka Lucky of Bridgeton NJ, Aldena Bennett Corley aka Dena (Al) of Atlantic City NJ, Monique Bennett aka Puddin of Mays Landing NJ. Two aunts Connie Mays of Voorhees NJ, and Faith Maven of Maryland. A host of nieces, nephews, friends, her closest friend Valerie Reed Descar. Terry left an impression on all who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends will be received on Thursday, January 6^th, 2022 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at DeMarco – Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 South Lincoln Avenue Vineland, 08361. Burial will be private.