Royce Ellingsworth Taylor, 87, of Longwood, passed away on February 17, 2024 after a long battle with her heart and lungs.
Royce was born in New Jersey on November 16, 1936 and soon adopted by Gertrude and Efton Ellingsworth. After Royce graduated from Boone High School in 1954, she went on to study nursing and try to follow her mom's trail.
Years later Royce met Francis while he was stationed here in Florida. Royce and Francis went on to have 2 children, Kenneth Efton Taylor and Kathryn Elizabeth Taylor.
Royce worked at a Whataburger for a while and ultimately settled in a manager position at Shop 'n Go then Circle K convenience stores, leading to an over 20 year career.
Kathryn had a son, William Kenneth Welborn, who came under Royce's care as a toddler. Royce devoted a life which had already been given to and raised 2 children, to then raise this third child which she did selflessly, easing into the role of the neighborhood grandmother. Absolutely everyone called her Gram.
Around 2000, Royce retired and spent her time reading, watching her favorite tv shows, and playing way too much mahjong and solitaire. She came back to work for a few years baking biscuits for the morning rush at Hardee's and about a year of proofreading at a print shop where William worked. Royce eventually got bored with it and went back to mahjong full-time.
Royce was predeceased by a step-son Alan Baisden, the father of her children Francis Carroll Taylor, and her mother Gertrude. She is survived by son Kenneth Efton Taylor & granddaughters Randi Lee and Melissa Nicole Taylor, daughter Kathryn Elizabeth Taylor & grandson William Kenneth Welborn.
Services will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home on March 1, 2024 at 11am. She will be buried in the family plot at Greenwood Cemetary in Orlando, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph's Indian School, an organization Royce felt strongly about.
Don't worry, Gram... we're going to be ok. You did the most wonderful job raising us all and making our lives comfortable. Thank you so much for the life you gave us. You are loved. You are missed. <3