Obituary of Juliet Constance Taylor-Sawyer

Juliet Constance Taylor-Sawyer September 30, 1937 – August 10, 2025 Juliet Constance Taylor-Sawyer, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully just one month before her 88th birthday. Her life was a remarkable example of strength, generosity, and the belief that education is a lifelong pursuit. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Juliet lost her mother, Constance Saunders, at the age of two. She and her sister, Adrienne Taylor, were raised by their loving father, Joseph Abrams Taylor, who she deeply admired. His influence sparked her love of learning and strong work ethic—values she carried throughout her life. At age 33, while raising her young children on her own, Juliet went back to school. She graduated from Hunter College in Manhattan and earned a prestigious fellowship to the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. Courageously, she moved her family to Philadelphia to pursue this opportunity, opening doors not just for herself, but for many who would follow. Juliet became a longtime professor at Cheyney University, where she taught business, finance, and economics. She also served as Director of the Honors Program and was instrumental in helping the school achieve full accreditation. Her classroom extended far beyond school walls—she mentored students, opened her home to those in need, and shaped countless lives. In addition to her academic work, Juliet served the City of Philadelphia in roles including Secretary of Education and Secretary of Transportation. She created and hosted the public television program Basically Economics and consulted for unions and community organizations. She founded youth programs, led financial literacy workshops, and helped unify neighborhood groups to better serve their communities. In recognition of her service, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declared May 15, 2004, "Juliet Taylor Sawyer Day." Still, her greatest joy was her family. She adored her grandchildren—Constance, Julian, Maya and Elyshia, Reuban, and Sarah—and great-grandchildren—Aubree, Malik, Makenzie, Aasim and Sophie—as well as extended family Robyn, Ari, and Avery. She celebrated their lives fiercely and made sure they always knew they were loved. She is survived by her daughters, Stacie Maria and Stephanie Michelle, her grandchildren, Constance Nicole, Julian Michael, Maya Caprice, Elyshia Eveyln and her great-grandchildren, Aubree Nicole, Malik Issac, Makenzie Caprice, Aasim Sa'ad and Sophie Elise who will carry forward her legacy of love, determination, and lifelong learning. Juliet taught us not only how to learn, but how to live—with courage, care, and purpose. Preceded in death by her younger sister, Adrienne Talyor and her beloved son, Steven Michael. Her life made a difference. Her legacy will live on