Robbie Lee (Redmond) Taylor was born to the late Winnie Howard DeLaney and John E. Redmond on November 18, 1932 in Pickens, Mississippi. She was the eldest of two children.
Robbie graduated from Lanier High School in Jackson, MS and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS. She later earned two master’s degrees: Business Education from University of Illinois, Champagne and Administration Leadership from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
As an undergraduate at Alcorn, Robbie was Homecoming Queen and active in a variety of activities including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Business Club. At Alcorn, she also met her future husband, Leroy Taylor. They were married In August 1964 and made their home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their marriage was blessed with two children: June E. Taylor and Laron H. Taylor. Upon settling in Milwaukee, Robbie became an active member of St James U.M., and later Eastbrook Church.
Robbie began her student teaching career at Higgins High School in Clarksdale, MS and later served as a Business Teacher at the National Association of Congressional Christian Churches, and in the Milwaukee Public Schools. She was honored many times for her excellence in teaching, notably including: 1990 American Outstanding Teacher Award, 1995 Harvest Community Award, 1997 Wisconsin Association of Minority Attorneys Award, 1995-97 Wisconsin Career Information Systems Policy Council and 2002 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Milwaukee Chapter. In addition to teaching, Robbie was Vincent High School Business Education Department Chairman (1979-89); Cheerleader Adviser; MATC 1997 Accounting Facilitator; and Wisconsin Bar Legal Team Competition Coach. She taught Sunday School for 25 years and was a senior choir member in her church.
Robbie retired from teaching after 42 years. She remained active in her church and enjoyed spending her time with many friends and her son who remained in the Milwaukee area.
In 2018, Robbie moved to Beachwood, Ohio to be cared for by a medical community best suited to handle her needs. She is blessed to have been supported in her senior years by both of her children, extended family and friends throughout Ohio and the Midwest.
Robbie was preceded in death by her parents and her dear brother Herbert DeLaney Jr. and her husband Leroy Taylor. She is survived by her children June E. Taylor-Metz (Conrad), and Laron H. Taylor; beloved granddaughter Elizabeth T. Metz; sister-in-law Ethel DeLaney; niece Velva Pryor (Charles); grand-niece Carmen Smith; cousins Laurah Barnes family, Willie Booth family, Princess Bradford family, Alice Hill family, Bobbie, Glen, James and Otis Walton families, Sylvia Howard family, Maxine Smith family and the Annie Warren family.