Pastor Toni Taylor-Dezurn Obituary
Pastor Toni Lynnell Taylor-Dezurn was born to the late Douglass and Deborah Johnson on January 16, 1971, in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life to be with the Lord, her Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 28, 2018 after a valiant battle of illness.
Toni was known by many for her warm personality, gift of song and beautiful smile. She accepted and loved the Lord with all of her heart. Toni’s love for God and His people led her to a life of ministry as a leader. She was a pastor, worshiper, preacher, teacher and a powerful deliverance minister. Through Toni’s obedience, many souls were saved through her ministry of intercession.
Toni was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. She graduated from Southern High School in 1989. She excelled both academically as well as athletically. During her high school career, Toni received the city-wide MVP award for badminton and volleyball. In 2005, Toni completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Sojourner Douglass College. In 2006, Toni began her professional career at the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. She began as a caseworker and later became a facilitator with the Family Involvement Meeting unit.
Toni along with her twin sister, Terri, loved to cook and often held “unbelievable” family feasts at their homes. They were not satisfied until the entire neighborhood was well fed. In 2010, Toni and Ulysses Dezurn were united together in holy matrimony. He was the love of her life. She also loved her children unconditionally. Toni held a special relationship with her granddaughter, Erynn, who she affectionally called, “Toot-Toot”.
Toni’s quest for seeking the Lord’s will began with family, friends and pastors, Dr. Richard and Michelle Donaldson of Generations of Renewed Faith. Toni was baptized at First Charity Baptist church. She also worshipped at New Harvest Ministries. Toni transferred her membership to Bring It to Life Ministries where she flourished in her spiritual gifts. In 2012, Toni became a minister of the word. In December 2017, Toni was ordained as a pastor by Bishop Art and Pastor Rose Robinson of Bring It to Life Ministries. Toni’s strong faith encouraged her to hold countless bible studies and prayer meetings in her home along with her family and friends. Toni’s evangelism efforts were exemplified in the community through her work with various nursing homes, shelters and churches. She could often be seen sharing the message of Christ with the less fortunate throughout the streets of Baltimore City. Toni leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Ulysses, son, Douglass, twin daughters, Kandice and Keisha, granddaughter, Erynn, brother, Kevin, preceded her in death, Carroll (Ira), Guy (Shonda), twin sister, Terri (Grandison), best friend, Demetria, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and godchildren
