Verna Joyce Taylor

Verna, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on March 5,2025. Verna was born in Lamesa, TX, on August 16, 1954, to Ruby Wallace Sanders, Verna grew up in Odessa, TX, where she graduated from Ector High School. On August 1, 1980, she married the love of her life, Calvin Taylor, in Odessa, and together they shared nearly 45 wonderful years of marriage.

Verna dedicated much of her life to serving the community as a bus driver for the Ector County School District for 35 years. Her commitment to her job was steadfast, earning her numerous perfect attendance awards over the years. Verna’s devotion to her students went beyond the school day, often offering her time and kindness to those in need. One of her most cherished memories was taking one of her favorite students to a concert, a testament to her caring and generous nature.

After retiring, Verna embraced her newfound freedom with enthusiasm, spending much of her time with her beloved family. She found joy in staying active and attended the senior center three days a week, maintaining her health and vitality. Verna’s unwavering commitment to her family was evident in the countless reunions she hosted over the years, always working to keep the Williams Oages family closely connected. Her warm heart, infectious spirit, and dedication to family will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Verna is preceded in death by her mother, Ruby Sanders, grandparents Ruben Williams, Mamie Oages Williams , step grandmother Annie Williams, brother Wayne (bow-leg) Wallace, sister Leona Robinson and brother Samuel Ray Wallace.

Verna is survived by her devoted husband Calvin Taylor of Odessa, Tx , daughter Angela Wallace of Grand Prairie, Texas, stepson Davorick Taylor (Socorro) of Odessa, step daughter Lanette Steward of Fort Worth, TX brother Charles Wallace (Sandra) of Lamesa TX, brother Quincy Wallace (Callie) of Midland, TX, brother Darwin Robinson of Odessa, TX, special sister Sandra McDowell of Austin, TX, special friend Blanche Logan,: 7 Grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation is set for 9AM Saturday March 15, 2025 at Martinez Funeral Home. 

A Chapel Service set for 10AM Saturday March 15, 2025 at Martinez Funeral Home

Burial to follow at Ector County Cemetery ~ Odessa II Section.