Prairie View A&M University lost one of its longtime employees, Jimmizine Beth Taylor, Friday, March 28 following a lengthy illness.
Taylor, 88, passed away in the Tomball Regional Hospital after serving 62 years with the university.
Taylor began her career in 1946 as a librarian. She served as a reference librarian as well as a special collections librarian.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in social science from Arkansas State (Pine Bluff) and a library science degree from Atlanta University.
“She was always willing to help. She was a servant to whoever needed help when it came to the library. When it came to student workers, she was willing to extend herself on a personal level. Guess it was a little mothering involved,” said Phyllis Earles, university archivist.
Taylor was born in Little Rock, Ark. on August 12, 1919. She was raised by her uncle and aunt, Robert and Lottie Beth.
An active member of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View, Taylor was also active in many community organizations.
She was a member of the Zeta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Prairie View Athletic Club, the Texas Library Association, and the American Library Association.
While at the university, Taylor wore many hats. She served on several committees including the Homecoming, Historical and the Naming of Buildings committees.
“I know she cared. She cared for the students of Prairie View. She loved P.V.,” said close friend Frederick Roberts. “She was always encouraging you to do better. She would help you in any way she could,” Roberts continued.
Roberts said, “Once, she trusted you and felt you respected her, she was there to the end. She will be greatly missed.”
There will be a memorial service on April 4 in the Johnson Phillip All Faiths Chapel at 3 p.m. followed by a wake and viewing from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The members of the Zeta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha will conduct its Ivy Beyond the Wall Service at 7:45 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 5, at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Prairie View at 11 a.m.