Online Fund Started for Slain Lithonia Author

Anisa Patton Taylor of Lithonia, who died this week, was a poet and a cook who wrote and published books on both subjects, Patch has learned.

Taylor, 34, was found in her car Tuesday at Salem Park by some passing children and her husband, Valance Devon Taylor, 42, has been charged in her death.

An online fund has been started by Taylor's friends Lisa Washington and Cindy Pitts Gilbert to help with memorial service costs and to support her four children.

"We hope to get as many donations as possible by Monday for a celebration of life on Thursday," another friend, Aasiya Muslim, told Patch Saturday. (A previous donation account set up with Wells Fargo Bank "has been compromised," Muslim said, and is no longer in use.)   

Taylor published a book of poetry in 2006 called 'Mental Metamorphosis' and another one on cooking last October titled 'Inspire Your Desires With Cooking' which was illustrated by her daughter Naja.  

Proceeds from the books' sales will now also go to support the family. "Anisa left behind four beautiful children and her mother is struggling to fund the memorial," Muslim said. "We need the word spread so that she can receive the proper burial that she deserves."  

Donate to the Anisa Taylor Fund