Essie T. Gunn

Life’s Reflections

Essie Mae Taylor Gunn, born on February 9, 1935, embraced the love of Christ from a young age. She departed from this world on September 10, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of strength, selfdetermination, and love of God. Essie was the beloved daughter of James EugeneTaylor and Idella Honeysucker.

Education played a significant role in Essie’s life. She knew that her future success and better opportunities for her children were tied to this education. Essie’s discontent with the Jim Crow South’s brutal realities inspired her to become an integral part of the Great (Northward) Migration. This pivotal decision set the course for self-perseverance for the Gunn family and future generations. She pursued her studies at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. She embarked on a fulfilling career as a Certified Dental Assistant at the VA hospital in Boston, where she dedicated her skills and expertise until her retirement in 1997.

Essie was fiercely independent, she was determined to make her own way in life. Family and friends have memories of her refusal to accept help. Her favorite mode of transportation was walking. You would often see her walking in her neighborhood with bags from the grocery store and if you drove by and offered her a ride, she would refuse or insist that you accept her “gas money.” Essie was tough, she didn’t allow anyone to take advantage of her. You’d often hear her sharing stories of her battles with a company that did not deliver a service that she expected. Essie had a passion for sewing and adored fashion, shopping was one of her favorite pastimes when she lived in Boston. She also enjoyed traveling, it was her goal to see all 50 of the United States. She made it to all but Hawaii. Many of these trips she took on her own, she wasn’t afraid to explore this world on her own. She was very passionate about her politics and wasn’t afraid to share her opinions with you.

Essie was committed to her children and grandchildren being independent and self-reliant. She instilled those values and could be depended on in times of need. Her granddaughter, Ericka, could not have completed her education at Spelman College without her encouragement and financial support.

Essie was preceded in death by her husband, R.B. Gunn in 1976 and her precious daughter, Sandra Gunn James on April 23, 2023. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Deborah Gunn and Rosalyn Gunn, along with her sister, Nina Wilson, and brother Hosea McMurtry. Essie’s legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren Ericka, Samia, and Tauri, nine great-grandchildren, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends of devotion and distinction.

Essie Mae Taylor Gunn will be remembered as a smart, independent, and fearless individual who stepped out on faith and took risks for the future of her family. Her memory will forever be etched in our hearts, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Order of Memorial Service

Saturday, September 23, 2023 10:00 A.M.

Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc. 3320 Millbranch Road Memphis, Tennessee 38116

Prayer Ellison Hill, Great-Grandson

Scripture Readings Floyd Tate - Cousin

Solo

Evelyn E. Woodard - Cousin

Words of Expressions Family & Friends