Phyllis Ann (Taylor) Edwards

Ms. Phyllis Ann (Taylor) Edwards, age 82, of Durham, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Duke Hospice Family Pavillion in Durham, NC. 

Obituary

Phyllis Ann Taylor Edwards, age 82 of Durham, North Carolina gained her wings at Duke Hock Family Hospice Center on the evening of February 5, 2026. A beloved sister, aunt and cousin will be remembered for her kindness.

Phylis was born on April 8, 1943, in Pittsboro, North Carolina to the late Isaiah E Taylor and the late Laura E Taylor.

Phyllis Taylor Edwards was educated at Horton High school where she graduated with the class of 1961. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at North Carolina Central University then furthered her education to earn her Masters of Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  She began her career as a French and English teacher at Jordan Matthews in Siler City, NC. She continued her love for education as the lead Media Specialist in Durham County at Lowes Grove Jr High until her retirement.  Being a retired educator, she was able to join the NCBA/SEE Program at EPA in Durham where she finalized her retirement in December 2014.

Phyllis grew up as a member of Mt. Sinai AME Church, later she became an active member at Hope Valley Baptist Church where she led Sunday school until her health declined.

Phyllis was known for her attention to detail, her love of cooking and baking, and her joy in hosting family gatherings. She enjoyed traveling, visiting lighthouses, and supporting various charitable causes. One of her greatest inspirations was the poem “Footprints,” which reflected the faith and values she lived by each day.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Isaiah E Taylor Sr.; mother, Laura E Taylor, one brother, Richard E Taylor, aka “Chu-Chi”; one sister, Martha Patience Taylor-Henry “Bit”, and one nephew, Christopher Dion Taylor.

Her presence love, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Isaiah Taylor Jr. “Sonny”; three nephews, Isaiah Taylor III (Jackie), Milton A. Taylor, and Malcolm E.A. Henry; one niece, Nicole E.A. Henry;
great nieces, Jaire Taylor (Alicia), Mya Taylor, and Neah A Henry; great nephews, Aiden, Ashton, and Braylen Taylor; special lifetime friend, Cloyce Lassiter, as well as a host of other relatives and dear friends.

"The family will be receiving friends at 207 Reynolds Avenue, Durham, NC 27707, Sunday, February 8 from 2:00pm-6:00pm and Monday February 9 from 5:00pm-8:00 pm"

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Pittsboro, NC