July 6, 1938 – Feb. 26, 2015

It is with sadness the family of Jerry Taylor announces his passing on Feb. 26 at his home in La Crescenta.

Jerry was born in Lyons, Kansas on July 6, 1938. He graduated from Lyons High School in 1956 and Sterling College in 1963. After driving a cattle truck and farming for several years Jerry became a teacher, first in Cave Junction, Oregon for two years and then in Los Angeles for 35 years where he taught English and reading. He was a founding member of United Teachers of Los Angeles and a dedicated teacher activist. After retiring from the classroom he worked seven years in the Peer Assistance and Review Program (PAR), a joint effort between UTLA and the school district to help struggling teachers.

Jerry enjoyed bragging about his grandchildren. He loved his roses and vegetable garden, classical music and doing crossword puzzles. He served many hours at Altadena Community Church as an office volunteer and pastoral assistant.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 36 years Sherry; two daughters Tammy and Christy (Michael Aguilera); grandchildren Aliana, Paxton and Noelan who lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo; sisters Betty Hunt and Beverly (Bill Milam). His parents Ralston and Emily Taylor and sister Peggy predeceased him.

Jerry was committed to human rights, peace and instilling a love of reading to all children.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will take place at Altadena Community Church, 943 E. Altadena Drive in Altadena on Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Mother’s Club Family Learning Center, 980 N. Fair Oaks Ave. This will be used for an early literacy program. Please put Jerry Taylor on the memo line. You may also bring a new book in English or Spanish for a child 0-5 years of age to the service. Or donations may be sent to For His Children,

P.O. Box 912412, Denver, CO 80291-2412. This will be used for the gardening project at the orphanage in Ecuador. Please put Jerry’s Garden on the memo line.