On April 18, 2021, it pleased God to call home unto himself our beloved daddy, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, Edward Lynn Taft “Paul”. Edward was born in Ayden, North Carolina to the later Mary Elizabeth Cox and Edward Earl Taft. He was the youngest of four children; Oldest brother, Adolphus Cox (deceased) and two sisters; Vickie Taft and Ella Taft Mitchell.
In his youth, he enjoyed athletics and sports ultimately becoming the star kicker for the Ayden Grifton High School football team. After completing high school, he relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, where he began working at Norfolk State University for over thirty-eight years. Taft was a dedicated staff member to NSU. With his previous success in football, Taft became an avid “Dallas Cowboys” fan. He enjoyed watching old school westerns while eating a bowl of butter pecan ice cream. Taft was an extraordinary father to his three children; Loni Artybridge and Lamont Artybridge (twins), and youngest son, Anthony Artybridge, a proud grandfather “pop pop” to his grandchildren, De’veon and Malaysia Wiggins. With his radiating smile and carefree personality, Taft was an amazing and dependable friend to many.
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K. Hyman says
April 23, 2021 at 9:18 pmNSU will never be the same. Take your rest now… your work was not in vain.
Prayers for the family. May God Comfort you all.
DeCarlos Vaughan says
July 18, 2022 at 9:56 pmstill missing you Taft!!
Hardy White says
April 23, 2021 at 9:20 pmHardy White and family sends condolences to the Taft family. God bless!
Shirley Whitaker says
April 24, 2021 at 11:58 amTo the Family of Edward L. Taft
Taft, as he was affectionately called, was a kind decent, hard-working man. He loved his job and co-workers at Norfolk State University (NSU). Aside from that was the love for his family, but most of all the love for his Maker.
I met Taft at NSU while I working in Athletics and He in Facilities. He was a quiet, easing-going person . He took care in helping to set up for all our athletic events. And he would always check with us periodically (for no apparent reason) to see if we needed anything done. That’s just who he was – kind, considerate and giving.
We will miss him terribly, but God had a better plan for him. Rest now our beloved Taft.
Melvina Winder says
April 25, 2021 at 11:28 amMay the Lord God give the Taft family strength, and piece doing this time in your life. Taft was a great co-worker , friend and most all a awesome father. He never met a stranger. He was always helpful in any way possible.
It was our pleasure to know him.
Tammy Williams says
April 25, 2021 at 10:50 pmMy deepest condolences to the Taft family.
Melvin C Rosenboro says
April 26, 2021 at 1:35 pmI was very sad to hear about Edward’s passing. I can only offer my deepest sympathy to his family. I went to high school with Edward and remember him as a quiet, warm and friendly guy. I’m sure Edward will be missed by many..
April Allbritton says
April 27, 2021 at 11:49 amMy deepest sympathy. He was always very courteous to everyone. He will be missed.
Shemida Sanders says
April 28, 2021 at 9:25 amPrayers to the family of Taft. He was so kind and sweet. I met him cause he worked with my daughter. He was loved and will truly missed.
Estherine J. Harding says
April 29, 2021 at 1:04 pmDeepest sympathy and prayers to the Taft family in the passing of your loved one. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. Your loved one will be greatly missed for the many sacrifices he made to help move the Spartan efforts forward in positive ways.
Estherine J. Harding, NSU Alumna & Retiree
Annie Perkins says
May 2, 2021 at 3:14 pmMr. Taft was a fine gentleman. During my years at NSU, I saw him many times in his various positions. Whatever his responsibilities, he was always busy doing his job, He left a fine example of dedication and kindness for his children and grandchildren to emulate. May Mr. Taft rest in peace. May memories of him comfort his family and friend, and may the blessings of God abound in the lives of Mr. Taft’s loved ones.
Annie Perkins, Department of English and Foreign Languages
Annie S. Perkins says
May 2, 2021 at 3:18 pmMay 2, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Mr. Taft was a fine gentleman. During my years at NSU, I saw him many times in his various positions. Whatever his responsibilities, he was always busy doing his job, He left a fine example of dedication and kindness for his children and grandchildren to emulate. May Mr. Taft rest in peace. May memories of him comfort his family and friends, and may the blessings of God abound in the lives of Mr. Taft’s loved ones.
Annie Perkins, Department of English and Foreign Languages