Charles "Shawn" NI'Shante" Taylor Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beautiful soul - the man, the myth, the musical genius.  Mr. Charles Ni “Shawn” Taylor.  He was affectionately known to his family as “Shawn” and to friends as “Blu Bon-Bon, Moon” and many other beloved nicknames.

Shawn was born on Monday, February 12, 1980, to the union of Rev. Charles W. Taylor and Arlene Stuckey-Marley.  From the very beginning, he brought joy to everyone around him. At just 12 months old, he would crawl to the stereo, hum melodies, and nod his little head to whatever music was playing on the radio.  It was evident early on that he possessed a special musical gift.  Even while eating, “the better the food”,… the louder he would hum.

Blu was loved by many and touched countless lives in meaningful ways.  He was an accomplished music producer, artist, singer, father, son, brother, uncle, and genuine friend.  There are countless memories and stories that could be shared about Shawn, but words alone could never fully capture the impact he had on those who knew and loved him.

Charles “Tru-Blu” Shawn Taylor peacefully departed this life in his sleep on Monday, May 4, 2026, at his residence.

Those left to cherish his memory while mourning this passing include his loving mother, Arlene Marley; his father, Rev. Charles “Pops” (Avis) Taylor; his beloved daughters, Emma B. Taylor, Anniyah Shaffer, and Isabella J.T. Taylor; and the love of his life Amber Morrow.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his grandmother, Esther Wade; sisters, Ciretta F. Sims, Rickyea D. Yazid, Shareesa Marley, Shaniece Taylor, and Simone Mack; Brothers, Charles C. Taylor, Christian Davis, Pierre (Jeannetta) Mosley, Larry Jr. (Lakotah) Marley, Alfonzo “Fonnie” Mack, Charles “Main” Mack, Marcus and Michael Lee; his Godmother, Nova Kay Thomas, Aunts; Bethina Watson, Michelle Stuckey, Laverne Wardlow, Esther Holmes, Melissa Wade, Margaret Collier, and Rose Collier.  Uncles; Apostle Graylin (Sherlinn) Watson, Jesse Watson, Robert Watson, and John Moore; and two grandchildren, Athena and DJ. Shawn shared a special bond with his loving nieces, whom he helped raise as his own; Erica Elie, Zhane Armstrong, Zhaniece Armstrong, Heaven, Jariah, and Sonayra.  He also leaves behind his nephews, Clayton, Josiah, and Landen Armstrong, as well as his brothers-in-law, Melvin Kelly, Bobby McKinstry, Darrius Agnew, and Devonte Jacobs.

Preceding Shawn in death were his paternal grandparents, Jesse Sr. and May Emma Watson; his maternal grandfather, John L. Stuckey; his stepfather, Larry Marley; his aunt Eleanor Brooks-Acy; his uncles, James “Jimboy” Williams Jesse Stuckey, and Perry Watson: and his very special cousins, Everett Wheeler and Robert Earl Stuckey.

Humbly submitted by your Mother Mama!

Visitation will be May 15, at Palmer Funeral Homes-West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Funeral services for Shawn. will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 313 E. Ohio St. South Bend, In, 46601. Friends may visit with the family hour prior to services. beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the start of services. Online condolences may be left by visiting  www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.