Aaron D. Taylor, II (also known as AJ) was born June 22, 2002, to Aaron D. Taylor Sr. and Angela Taylor in Overland Park, Kansas.  Barefoot in grass and communing with trees, AJ understood the sacred connection of all living things.  He has now climbed the stairway to Heaven joining Samuel Gilmore Jr. (maternal grandfather) and James C. Sampson Sr. (paternal grandfather) who both preceded him in death.

AJ was raised in church and baptized at St. James United Methodist Church at an early age.  Though blessed with the finest attributes of his mom and dad, AJ remained loving, respectful, and helpful to all.  He was born spiritually advanced and very comical.  Seated in his highchair, he would roll his eyes heavenward when on the receiving end of baby talk.  As a toddler, when asked which book he wanted to read, he selected textbooks over colorful illustrated books.  He was a family favorite since birth.  AJ is the definition of "To know me is to love me."  He enjoyed being the baby brother and entertaining family with dance and singing routines created by his sister.  He also loved all the benefits of being the baby of his cousins.  Pillow fights and general big boy fun with plenty of giggles were always fond summertime memories.

As he grew older, he became a huge wrestling fan and a gamer.  Soon he was a full-fledged gamer (even beating dear old dad).  He started boxing as a form of exercise at the age of thirteen.  His trainers named him "Lil Hit Man Hearns" because of his powerful punch.  His trainer convinced him into competitive boxing, and he landed his first knockout with an adult doubled his tenure.

In his adult years, he became a music artist and created his own unpublished music.  He loved making music in the studio and was often complimented on his unique sound and technique.  He was recently contacted by a famous local hip hop artist about his music.  Not only was he creative in the studio, but he was also creative in the kitchen.  AJ enjoyed creating tasty morsels, especially his fan favorite moist brownies.  He completed the Culinary Arts program at the Career and Technology Center at Fort Osage upon graduation from Valley View High School.  While AJ's passion was cooking and music, he sampled various professions while keeping himself financially afloat in the gig industry.

AJ's physical presence will be missed but those who engaged him spiritually knows that his soul remains lovingly tethered to us eternally.

He leaves to cherish his memory:  his parents, Angela and Aaron Taylor Sr. of Kansas City, MO; sister, Arionne Taylor of Kansas City, MO; maternal grandmother, Emma Gilmore of Kansas City, MO; paternal grandmother, Jocelyn Brown (Grandma J Baby) of Kansas City, MO; special friend, Myiesha Slayden; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and other loved ones.

Thoughtful care and service provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.