- Date Of Birth: February 9, 1980
- Date Of Death: October 9, 2022
- State: Maryland
Chardonnay Maia Taylor, affectionately known as “Charn”, “Charnie” or “Big Red” was called home in Spirit on Sunday, October 9, 2022. Charn was born during a major snowstorm in Urbana, Illinois to Carooq Taylor Sr. and Sandra Taylor on February 9, 1980. She was a big bundle of love from the very minute she made her debut into their lives.
Charn knew and loved the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a member of Freedom Way Missionary Baptist Church in Capitol Heights, MD, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. George A. Fitzgerald. Chardonnay was a member of the Freedom Way Harmonizers Choir. Chardonnay was educated in the P.G. County and D.C.P.S. school systems and would go on to graduate from University City High School in St. Louis, Missouri in 1997. Upon her return to Washington, D.C., she matriculated at the University of the District of Columbia seeking to earn her Bachelor’s Degree.
Even at an early age, Charn had a stunning smile and radiated joy. She always had a vibrant personality and brought happiness to any environment. Her upbeat and positive “vibe” would change the energy in any room that she entered. Charn’s infectious laugh and warm personality aided in her as being recognized as “The Life of the Party.” She always found the good in people and let you know that you were special, you were loved, and you were valued for who you were as a person.
This gift that Charn had for people started with her family. She was always ready to support everyone regardless of the request. Many times putting herself on the backburner to help others. She loved her family dearly and was always available with a smile, kind word, open arms and genuine positive spirit. Her love of all things extended beyond her human family and she had a special affinity for all types of animals. Charn had a menagerie of additions to her home, because to her they were more than just a pet, they were part of the family. This extension included rabbits, turtles, dogs and cats. She even spoke of getting a horse to add to the collection.
Chardonnay’s natural ability to bring people together and her love of family, lead her to a career in Social Work. In 2005 was hired as a Contractor for the Office of the Attorney General. Because of her work ethic and dedication, she was fully promoted to the Child Support Division. She worked tirelessly with her team to provide support and guidance to single parents. She aided the underserved communities in Washington, D.C. by helping them benefit from a myriad of resources that included-family reunification, employment opportunities and healthy lives initiatives. Her diligent efforts in supporting families was recognized by all who had an opportunity to benefit from her commitment. Her former supervisor, Diane Stokes stated, “Chardonnay was the best worker in the unit.” Through her tenure she touched thousands of lives.
Although Chardonnay had open arms for her family, her heart belonged fully to her pride and joy, her son Devin. She was so excited when she found out that she had been blessed with him and continued that same joy throughout her life for Devin. Charn loved him, protected him, sacrificed for him and would stand toe to toe with anyone over Devin. He made her minute, hour and day. To say Devin was her world was an understatement.
Chardonnay leaves a village to cherish her memory and celebrate her legacy; her Devoted Son Devin Moore, Parents- Carooq Taylor Sr. and Sandra Taylor; Sisters, Cynethia Taylor, Ashley Christian and Lauren Taylor; Brothers, Carooq Taylor, Jr. (Sam Nettie), Roland Hayes and Nicholas Taylor; Bonus Mothers- Valerie (Niecy) Jamison-Ramsey, Brenda Taylor, and Valerie Nicholas-Christian; Bonus Siblings- Zaminah Williams, Nakia Logan and Ashley Short; Niece-Jemia Taylor; Nephews- Jamal and Juwan Noland; Bonus Nieces-Nijah and Samaya Logan; Aunts: Gloria Brent (Floyd); Kelly Thomas (Nick); Carmen Alleyne (Ignacio ); Uncles: Lloyd Taylor (Judy) Demetrius Ricanek (Sarah); and Karl “Junie” Ricanek, Jr.; and Best Friend, Patrice Manning. In addition to a host of loving relatives, co-workers and friends.
