Dasiree T. Mckissack

Dasiree Taylor McKissack, the oldest of ten children of the late Oscar Taylor, Sr. and Rosa Brookins Taylor, was born in Butler, Alabama on April 22, 1927. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Butler. On December 11, 2020, she departed this life at Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, to her heavenly home, where her reward is sure.
Dasiree spent her childhood in Butler. With strong family values, discipline, and an uncompromising work ethic instilled by hardworking parents, Dasiree was devoted to school and family. Dasiree graduated from Choctaw County (Alabama) High School (formerly Choctaw County Training Center) in 1945. Subsequently, she attended Alabama A&M University, in Normal, Alabama, in addition to teaching elementary school in Choctaw County. In 1950, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee to continue her education at Tennessee State (formerly Tennessee A&I) University.
It was at Tennessee State that she met and subsequently married Calvin Arthur McKissack of Nashville. From this heavenly union, a son, Eric Taylor, was born. A devoted wife and mother, she created a home where family, Christian faith, and education were top priorities.
In 1960, Dasiree restarted her working career, first as postal clerk at Harveys, then a department store in downtown Nashville. After leaving Harveys, she spent the reminder of her professional career as an administrator in the wholesale drug-distribution industry. In 1989, she retired to provide care for her ailing husband, Calvin, and served faithfully as his caregiver until his passing in 1999.
Dasiree joined Capers Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1954 in keeping with her lifelong commitment to faith and church. A devoted member since joining Capers, she served on the Board of Stewardesses, and also served as past Secretary of both the Board of Stewardesses and Capers’ Gleaners Club. Dasiree was also a member of the 80 Plus Club at Capers.
She leaves to cherish her memory and love: one son, Eric T. McKissack, and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, of Chicago, Illinois, two brothers, Oscar (Lorraine) Taylor, Jr., also of Chicago, and Reverend Charles Brookins Taylor, Sr. of Butler, Alabama. Three brothers and four sisters preceded her in death: Robert L. Taylor, Leo Taylor, Sr., Tutwiler Taylor, Annie J. Taylor, Rose E. Taylor, Thelma L. Taylor, and Claree P. Watts. She will be fondly remembered and truly missed by a host of nieces, (notably Miranda McCord and Gloria McKissack, both of Nashville), nephews, cousins, friends, and the entire Capers family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Capers Memorial C.M.E. Church Building Fund.
There will be a private, family graveside service. Services are under the direction of Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors.