Caryl Marie Vickers Taylor

Mrs. Caryl Vickers Taylor passed away peacefully at 4:42 PM on

Wednesday, September 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family,

friends, and caregivers.

Born in Mattoon, Coles County, Illinois, on November 27, 1930, to the late Beverly James Vickers and Thelma Robinson Vickers, Caryl dedicated her early life to healthcare. She graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in Peoria, Illinois, and began her nursing career in the Operating and Emergency Departments at Mattoon Memorial Hospital. She later moved to Chicago, where she served as a staff and charge nurse at St. Bernard Hospital.

On June 30, 1957, Caryl married the love of her life, Dr. Robert Benjamin Taylor, Jr., and relocated to Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Following the passing of her beloved husband on February 14, 2001, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to be near her son and his growing family.

Caryl’s life was defined by dedicated service and trailblazing leadership:

● Healthcare & Social Services: She established and served as the

Director of Social Services at Okmulgee Memorial Hospital, later

transitioning to Director of Human Resources until her retirement in

March 2001.

● Civil Rights & Community Engagement: Leveraging her medical

background, Caryl participated in local vaccination programs and

organized carpools to expand voter access for the Black community.

She and her husband were passionate advocates for civil rights and

education, sponsoring scholarships for underprivileged students at

OSU, OU, Fisk University, and the College of the Ozarks. In

recognition of their impact, the Public Service Company of

Oklahoma established an Endowment Chair in their honor at

Oklahoma State University.

● Public Service & Leadership: Caryl was appointed to the Oklahoma

Horse Racing Commission, breaking barriers as its first Black

Chairperson. She also served on the Oklahoma Human Rights,

Ethics, and Merit Commissions, held various auxiliary roles with the

Oklahoma and National Dental Associations, and served as an Elder

at First Presbyterian Church in Okmulgee.

● Organizations: On December 4, 1964, alongside Mrs. Marquetta

Haynes, she co-organized and served as the charter President of

the Tulsa Chapter of The Links, Inc. At the time of her passing, she

was a member of Mt. View Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas.

Caryl was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Robert

Benjamin Taylor, Jr.; her daughter, Caryl Taylor Hanson; her grandson, Robert Benjamin Taylor, IV; and her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Charles Cumby.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and service to be cherished by:

● Children: Robin E. Taylor, Chrystal C. Taylor, and Dr. Robert B. Taylor, III (Amy)

● Grandchildren: Eric Robert Williams (Dawn), Elise Valentine

(Richard), Rachel Nicole Taylor, Olivia Dale Taylor, and Hope

Elizabeth Taylor

● Great-Grandchildren: Kinsley Marie Valentine and Tyson Robert

Valentine

● Nephew: Dr. Anthony Mark Stephens, III

● Special family friends: Teri Collins Taylor, Carmen Tinoco, and Luis Tinoco, Sr.

In accordance with her wishes, no service is planned.