Glenn Lavel

Taylor

Glenn Lavel Taylor, affectionately known as "Vel," passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. He was 60 years old. Born on July 8, 1965, in Toledo, Ohio, Vel was the second of four siblings born to his parents, Glenn Stubberfield and Gloria Ann (Taylor) Whisenhunt. He was lovingly raised by his mother and stepfather, Walter Whisenhunt.

In 1975, the family relocated to California, where Vel spent his school years in the Los Angeles area. Grounded in a strong foundation of faith, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Vel was known to his childhood friends as "Gee," and he remained a cherished presence in their lives throughout the years.

Vel was a loving and proud father to his five wonderful children. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, with a career in sales and later in the transportation industry, until a workplace injury led to his retirement. Vel had a natural gift for selling, often known for his wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, shoes, and more. He was the go-to person for a good deal and always knew how to keep both his customers and his loved ones satisfied.

Vel entered the Prince of Peace Mason Lodge in Los Angeles, California, in hopes of fulfilling the duties of becoming a freemason guided by the timeless principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. He was laid-back, full of personality, and known for his storytelling, quick wit, and passionate conversations often ending in phrases like "You play too much" and "Aaaaah" with a smile, especially about politics. A dedicated sports fan, cheering on his favorite teams — the Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, and boxing. In his downtime, he enjoyed playing on his PlayStation and traveling when the opportunity arose.

Vel had big dreams for the future, including his plans to move back to his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, within two years. He spoke often about buying a house and starting a pastrami business. After his last visit to Toledo in May 2025, he was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Despite the devastating news, he remained brave and faithful through radiation treatments at Cedars-Sinai Hospital and rehabilitation at The Rehab Center as he prepared for chemotherapy. Sorrowfully, Vel became unresponsive and passed away just before he was set to leave the rehabilitation center on Friday, August 22, 2025. His passing was a heartbreaking surprise to everyone who cared for and loved him.

Vel was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Gloria and Walter Whisenhunt; his father, Glenn Stubberfield; grandparents, George and Ruby Taylor; sister, Loretta Jean Martin; and brother, Edward Lamale Taylor.

He leaves to cherish his memories his children, LaKleisha "Kleish" Taylor, Nyesha "Sweetpea" (Shane) Carter, Deonsa "Dude" (Antanisha) Taylor, Isaiah "Zay" Taylor, and Elijah "Lijah" Taylor - six grandchildren, Ka'Mya Shyann Maroney, Zailey Roshell Taylor, Au'Brie Renee Taylor, Maurice Moore Jr, Pleasant Carter, and Coby Carter: his brother, Walter "Corey" Whisenhunt. Steadfast, offering strength, love, prayer and unwavering support until the very end his uncle Leonard "Pop" Taylor, aunt Doris Williams Johnson, cousin, Bishop John Williams, Stacy Williams; Trillann (Shawn) Minor, who was a sister to him; Daphne White, his significant other; cousin Rodney Taylor, looked up to him like a big brother; his close brothers and lifelong friends Kevin Williams, Reggie Hanes; Johnny Foe, Jimmy West, Bobbie Mitchell, Larren Jones, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family and friends. Though Vel is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on – in every laugh, every story, and every life he touched.