After a life of love and quiet grace, Robert Taylor of Toledo, OH has passed.
Here is what we wish the world to know of Robert.
Robert held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Those who live by belief leave a different kind of mark.
Robert Cornelius Taylor, Sr., affectionately known to his family as Bobby, was born on March 25, 1953, to Sarah Frances and Thomas Ralph (TR) Taylor in Detroit, Michigan. He was the second of two children born to their union. Robert accepted Christ and was baptized at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. Odell Jones.
Robert was the seventh and youngest child of Sarah Frances; he would tell anyone who would listen that he was the baby of the family. His siblings were an integral part of his life, and he loved them dearly. After his father passed away in 1963, his siblings became a steady source of support and care in his upbringing. His brother Kenneth enrolled him in school, while sisters Cat and Pauline helped raise him. Brothers Albert, Jr. and Paul, Sr. provided advice and guidance, while youngest sister Lorraine was his constant protector.
Robert was a product of Detroit Public Schools, attending Washington Elementary, Nolan Middle School, and graduating from Pershing High School in 1970. While at Pershing, he was a member of the marching band as a drummer and also played the bongos.
As one of the immediate descendants of the "Smiths from McLean," Robert maintained a strong connection to Pleasant Grove, where he attended regularly and developed a deep love for God. He was active in church life, playing on the basketball and baseball teams, often taking the infield alongside his cousin, Doran. His love for God carried him throughout life and was a source of comfort no matter where he was. Robert had two children, Robert, Jr. and LaKeisha, known to the family as Nikki, from a previous union.
Robert's personality was fun, outgoing, and boisterous, with a strong affinity for jewelry. You never saw him without his jewelry-it was a part of who he was. During his school years, his friends started a club called 8th Day Productions, a group that remains together to this day and later welcomed Kenneth as a member. The group hosted many parties, which aligned perfectly with Robert's love for dancing and being the life of the party. His love for basketball provided him the opportunity to try out for the Detroit Pistons twice in the 1980s, thanks to Paul's connections.
Robert began working for Chrysler in April 1976, receiving numerous awards for quality work. Chrysler relocated him to Toledo in the early 1990s, where he made the area his home. He retired in March 2006 after 30 years of service. Bobby's passion for barbequing, something he inherited from his father TR, became synonymous with him. Whether cooking for family, friends, or customers, barbequing was his signature.
His years in Toledo complemented his love of bowling and pool. He spent much of his time at a local pool hall owned by Daniel Martin, a close friend he considered more like a son. Robert's church home in Toledo was Greater Grace Christian Church, where he developed a wonderful relationship with Pastor Huckaby, who affectionately called Robert her big brother.
Most importantly, Toledo is where he met his final love, Dorethea, known to most as Nadine. Robert and Nadine were married on Valentine's Day in 2017 and shared a beautiful union. Their marriage was filled with fun, exploration, and the blending of cultures. As a native of Jamaica, Nadine was unfamiliar with Detroit, so Bobby made it a point to take her on regular drives to show her the beauty of the city. They cherished their time together and created a weekly tradition called "Tuesdays in the Park." Every Tuesday at 2 p.m., they would visit the park, enjoy nature, and grill together. Afterward, they would return home to relax and watch a movie.
Their blended family shared a deep love for one another. Robert became a stepfather to Melbourne and Deajah and uncle to Raoul. His greatest joy, however, was his grandchildren, Mickai and Mickail-a love that was wholeheartedly returned. When Robert became ill, Raoul moved from Jamaica to Toledo to assist with his care, a true testament to their bond. During the last months of his illness, Nadine was there with him every step of the way, ensuring he received proper care from his medical team-one final act of love between Robert and Nadine.
Robert Cornelius Taylor, Sr. transitioned on April 28, 2026, at home, surrounded by loving family goodbyes. At 7:45 p.m., he passed while holding Nadine's hand; as she told him she loved him, he gently nodded in response. He is survived by his wife, Dorethea; two children, Robert Jr. (Jessica) and LaKeisha (JuJuan); three stepchildren, Patina, Melbourne, and Deajah; several grandchildren, including Brandon, Mickai, and Mickail; one sibling, Kenneth (Sadie), now the patriarch of the family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.
In true Smith family fashion, he was welcomed in love upon his arrival. He is reunited with his parents, Sarah Frances and Thomas Ralph; siblings Albert, Jr., Catherine, Pauline, Paul, Sr., Essie Lorraine, Archiland, and MaryAnn; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members.
Whether at the grill, on the dance floor, or in the park on a Tuesday afternoon, Bobby brought life, laughter, and love wherever he went-and that spirit will live on forever.
