Belinda Taylor

Belinda Taylor Wood, age 66, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2019 due to complications resulting from her courageous battle with bladder cancer. Belinda was born June 9, 1953 in Columbus, OH to Richard C. Shelvin, an entrepreneur and Mary E. (Shelvin) Cole, also an entrepreneur and beautician. She was educated in the Columbus Public and Catholic School systems where she excelled academically. As a child, Belinda was also artistically and creatively inclined. She was a dance student of renowned dance choreographer and teacher Bettye Robinson, and a piano student of well-known pianist Vincent Walters. Following graduation from Bishop Hartley High School in 1971, she attended Ohio University. After pursuing college for one year, she returned home in 1972 and married her high school sweetheart, Robert Taylor II. To this union, Robert “Rob” Taylor III was born (March 18, 1973). While Belinda had many passions, hobbies and interests in her life, she regarded being Rob’s mother and grandmother to “the girls” as her greatest accomplishments and loves of all. Belinda was introduced to politics in the dawn of her life. She loved the wheeling and dealing of it all. After working in the political arena for several years, at the age of 23, Belinda joined the legislative staff of the Ohio House of Representatives. After serving 13 years in the legislature, she was appointed Associate Director of the Black Elected Democrats of Ohio. Following her tenure at the Black Caucus, Belinda was called to serve as the Community Relations/Minority Affairs Director for Attorney General Lee Fisher. Over the years, Belinda worked on several campaigns including two presidential campaigns for Jessie Jackson and John Glenn. In June 2002, she went to work for Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) as the Community Relations Manager and was later promoted to Interim Marketing Director, a title she held at the time of her passing. Belinda was a dedicated public servant and community liaison. She sat on multiple boards, championed various causes and worked tirelessly on several initiatives. In her role as Community Relations Manager for COTA, she worked in collaboration with founder Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and The Ohio State University on behalf of Rosa Parks Day, an annual statewide event and tribute to the late civil rights activist, now in its 14th year. Belinda joined the Women of Essence in 1984, was a member of COMTO (Conference of Minority Transit Officials) and City Year Board to name a few. Always a girl’s girl, Belinda was a member of the Seasonal Sisters Book Club (est. 2007) where she enjoyed the company of old and new friends, ate delicious food, drank great wine and took annual girls’ trips. Above all, Belinda loved her family and close friends. She especially loved spending time with son Rob, his wife Rebecca, and “the girls.” She enjoyed attending many school and extracurricular events in support of her granddaughters during their childhood years. At the time of her passing, Belinda was surrounded by special loved ones, including her significant other Ted Harris, who she believed God brought into her life at just the right time. Ted was a devoted partner, friend and caregiver who remained by her side until the end. While Belinda adored her three granddaughters, she felt blessed to call their mother Rebecca, her daughter-in-law, who she described as “The Best Daughter-In-Law Ever!” Though Belinda had many friends, among her dearest ones are Dianne McLinn, Janice D’Alessandro and Marchelle Moore who she referred to as her “BFFs” or “Best Friends Forever!” In 2001, Belinda married Billy Wood. Though the two separated after years of marriage, they remained friends until the end of her life. Belinda Taylor Wood is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Bruce Cole; and son, Robert Taylor, III. Belinda is survived by a daughter-in-law, Rebecca Taylor; sister, Nicole Shelvin; brother, Eric Shelvin; three granddaughters, Makayla M. Pernell (De’artae Pernell); Mayah M. Taylor; and Meranda U. Taylor. She is also survived by a great grandson, De’artae Hassan Pernell II; great granddaughter, Rowyn Aryeie Taylor Pernell and stepson, Rashad Wood.