Imani Ann Taylor, 20, of Jefferson City, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2015, at her residence. She was born on January 15, 1994, in St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of Sherl Taylor, who survives of the home. A resident of Jefferson City since the age of four months, she was a graduate of Jefferson City High School. Imani established a close relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at an early age and professed that love through immersion on February 28, 2010. She was an active member of Second Baptist Church and had participated in the youth ministry and Sunday School. Diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Ataxia Telangiectasia, Imani made every effort to live and enjoy life to the fullest. She had a loving and giving spirit and did not see herself as having challenges. She embraced life and enrolled in activities and events to participate at whatever level she could. She sought to try as much as she could: soccer camp, volleyball camp, orchestra (the violin), horseback riding, roller skating, and ice skating. With her attitude of trying, she decided: "If I try I am successful." It was because of this spirit that Imani was given the distinguished award of "Honorary Member of the Lincoln University Dance Troupe". Imani had such a passion for music and love for dance that even with confinement to a wheelchair, music and dance filled her life with an unspeakable joy. When asked about her love for dance, she responded: "This has been and is one of the high points in my life. ... The dancers are my friends. They teach me and I teach them. This makes me happy." Imani is survived by: her maternal grandfather, Leo Taylor of Chicago, Ill.; great-aunt, Beatrice Aldridge of Kansas City, Mo.; two aunts, Selma Taylor and Patricia Taylor, both of Chicago, Ill.; 12 first cousins, Falon Chambers, Joshua Thomas, Arielle Thomas, Juwana Thomas, and Joseph Thomas of Chicago, Ill.; Ceceilye Thomas of Rockford, Ill.; Ashley Thomas and Jocelyn Thomas of Charles City, Iowa; Michael Aldridge, Berry Aldridge, Tracie Hurst, and Tyjuanna Hurst of Kansas City, Mo.; and numerous second cousins, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Mary Taylor; her uncle, Lawrence Taylor; and first cousins, Sandra Pratt- Dennis and Ernest Pratt. Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 15, 2015, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 501 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Funeral services will follow immediately at Second Baptist Church, with Pastor Cornell C. Sudduth Sr. officiating. Burial will take place at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens, Jefferson City, Mo. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center, Second Baptist Benevolent Fund, or Missouri National Guard Camp Guardian. As January 15 would have been Imani's 21st birthday, all who choose to make a contribution "in her honor" to one of the organizations listed above are asked to wrap it as a gift (box or bag), and deliver all gifts to Second Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com