The Larry Taylor Family Memorial and Expense Fund

Hi, I am April Ward and I just want to thank you for taking the time out of your day to listen to a story about family that holds a very special place in my heart.

Growing up we were all extremely close and spent every birthday, holiday, long weekends and family vacations together. Me being not only the oldest child of all the grandchildren, but I was also the only child to my mother who was the youngest of her siblings. It was a perfect family setup and we all had so much fun.

After six years of being the only child in the family, my aunt and uncle (Monicia & Larry) became pregnant with their first child Julia. I remember being so excited to finally have a little sister. Three years later they welcomed a beautiful baby boy Ethan giving me my baby brother. They were technically my cousins but hey, here in the south those logistics don't apply! Those days were the best days and we had so much fun with barely a care in the world. We were all inseparable.

They founded River City Gymnastics and worked tirelessly until Larry's career path changed prompting a sell of the gym and a relocation.

As with life families move, children grow up, life throws you curve balls and sometimes get very complicated and messy.

Larry's first week on the job he was a first responder and provided crises intervention with students at the Westside school shooting that trauma followed him throughout his life, but he never wavered in his love for others. Monicia suffered a devastating disability from an unsuccessful back surgery leaving her in a wheelchair where she had to relearn how to walk. She remains permanently disabled requiring assistance for simple tasks we take for granted. Like I said life can get very complicated and messy and sometimes just really, really ugly.

He and Monicia eventually divorced but never stopped loving each other and always stayed connected. It would be a decade before they reconciled their differences and decided to pick up where they left off, attempting to regain stolen years. Unfortunately, Larry ended up suffering a stroke but having the love of his life now by his side working together he only partially recovered but his heart was left badly damaged.

Larry and Monicia were now both disabled, but they were happy to be together to help each other be the best version of themselves. They spent their days in doctor appointments, visiting with family and reminiscing of days past always their biggest regret was the decade lost with each other during their time of divorce.

Although their bodies were ravaged with pain and disabilities being there for each other was a comfort only they understood.

Larry passed away suddenly on January 13, 2022, leaving his beloved Monicia alone to manage another curve ball life has thrown.

I am asking for donations for expenses to assist Monicia and their beloved children for cost that are associated when a loved one dies unexpectedly, and the financial burdens are too hard to manage alone.

We will be accepting funds through the month of February. All donations received will be dedicated towards the expenses accrued by the family during this time.

Thank you all so much for your outpouring of love shown to our family during this time.