Obituary

Debra Lott Taylor

March 19, 1953 - September 12, 2025

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV) 

A true trailblazer and faithful servant of the Most High, Missionary Debra Lott Taylor was born on March 19, 1953 to the late Johnie Ray Lott and Ella Ruth Lott. She was baptized at a young age and was brought up in Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness where she received her spiritual foundation. She graduated from Franklinton High School in 1971, becoming the first African American Salutatorian in the school’s history. She went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Southern University and a Master’s degree in Vocational Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. 

Debra’s work experience includes serving as a claims representative for the Louisiana Department of Labor and an accountant for both the Washington Parish Police Jury and Washington – St. Tammany Charity Hospital. With a deep passion for education, Debra dedicated 29 years of her career at the Louisiana Technical College – Sullivan Campus, now known as Northshore Technical Community College.  Over the course of her tenure, Debra made a lasting impact, serving as the Associate Dean and received various awards, including the Outstanding Professional Staff Award and Distinguished Retiree Award. When she was hired at the Sullivan Campus, she became the first African American female administrator in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.

Community involvement was very important to Debra. Throughout the years, she served as a member for the Board of Directors for the Bogalusa Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for the Bogalusa Community Chest, Governing Board for the Louisiana Health Care Authority for Washington/St. Tammany Parish, Executive Director for Youthbuild Bogalusa, and the Community Action Panel for the LSU Family Medical Clinic.  She also served on several boards and committees such as the Sullivan Vocational Foundation Board, United Way, Helping Hands, and Christmas in the Park.

Debra’s passion was ministry, and her unwavering commitment and dedication to ministry work was evident. She served as a Missionary, Church Administrator, Sunday School Teacher, United Christian Women's Ministry (U.C.W.M.) President, Financial Secretary, Praise Team Member, Financial Secretary for the Diocese, Sunday School and Youth Director, Treasurer/Financial Secretary for District #3 U.C.W.M., Nursing Home Ministry Leader, and whatever else her hands could find to do. As a profound speaker, for many years she spoke at various events and programs. She would always close with a song filled with power and conviction, just as her mother did.

She had a heart for people. Debra mentored, counseled, discipled, coached, and encouraged countless people, both professionally and spiritually. Her impact is too large to quantify. She mothered many young women and served as a living example of the Proverbs 31 woman. She challenged everyone around her to allow God to “rule and reign” in their lives. 

Debra was a loyal and devoted wife to Evangelist Charles E. Taylor for 39 years and 11 months. She partnered with him in life, in ministry, and in everything. 

She was a bonus mom for too many to list.

Debra went home to be with the Lord on September 12, 2025 at her home in Bogalusa, LA.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Charles Taylor of Bogalusa, LA; her daughter, Christy (Chris) Montgomery of Covington, LA; two stepchildren, Tuniscia Taylor of Natchitoches, LA and Kelton Spann of Bogalusa, LA; eight grandchildren, Shelton, Keanna, Kelton Jr., Kelliyah, Kalik, Kelsey, Christyn, and CJ; one great-grandson, Laiken; one special cousin/sister, Brenda Viverette of Waterford, Michigan; one aunt, Bettye Dyson of Bogalusa, LA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbors, church members, coworkers, mentees, and several very special friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Ella Ruth Lott; and her brother, Vincent Lott.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 10:00AM - 12:00PM followed by the funeral service at 12:00 PM at Darbun Community Worship Center, 145 Bethlehem Loop Road, Kokomo, MS, 39643, Elder Kevin Montgomery, Pastor and Officiant. Interment – Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa, LA. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements.