C.B. HANIF PHOTO / SOUTH FLORIDA TIMES

West Palm Beach – Family, friends and public officials laid to rest the body of Daphne Lisann Taylor, a former cheerleader for her hometown Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach, and graduate of Florida State University, who went on to become an accomplished storyteller, respected mentor and beloved community voice. Her memorial services Saturday at Payne Chapel AME Church in West Palm Beach featured proclamations from the cities of Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach, and a rendition of “Hero” by legendary songstress and friend Sharon Spence. The longtime South Florida Times contributor was lauded as a trailblazer for African American women in media, who understood that being a journalist carried enormous responsibility. Other tributes included that people trusted in her, and shared their stories with her, even their secrets; that she realized that “God blessed her to be a blessing to someone else,” and was someone who lifted as she climbed. In his eulogy, “Rest in Peace,” Rev. Odell Watson said Sister Taylor radiated optimism. “She lived,” he said, “the 23rd Psalm.”