Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen  thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my  righteousness. Isaiah 41:10.

Taran T. (Kenton)McLaughlin was born Taran Teresa Donathan on March  22, 1954, in New York, New York to the late Mildred Donathan–Hicks and Leon Hicks.

She was educated in the New York and Philadelphia Parochial School Systems. She  graduated from Neuman-Goretti High School in 1972.

Taran affectionately known as "Terri" or "Tee-Tee", held numerous employment  positions to include Insurance Claims Adjuster at Colonial Penn. Registrar at  Community College of Philadelphia and Manager at Brookstone before early  retirement due to an untimely injury.

In 1977, Taran was blessed with the birth of her daughter, Celeste' Kenton, whom  she shared with her former spouse Odis W. Kenton, Sr. Taran enjoyed numerous  activities and hobbies. She enjoyed traveling to see family and friends across the  country.

In 2009 she fulfilled her desire to become a member Blanche P. Nottingham, Chapter  No. 84, Order of Eastern Star and continued the family legacy that was started by her  late aunt Janie Hicks, Past Worthy Matron. Taran received numerous awards and  achievements to include New Members Award from OES and citations from the City  of Philadelphia for her service. She was also a member of Alpha Court 24, Heroines  of Jericho and St. Mathew Court, Order of Cyrene.

Taran served her city through her efforts of voter registration and assisted voters  during local, state and presidential elections. She was elected as a committee person  in the 190th district.

Amid physical challenges, she would still find a way to enjoy her first love of dancing  and demonstrated to everyone what is means to do your best with what is presented  and move onward with grace and gratitude. Her faith in God and love from her  family, fraternal family and friends is what helped her fight her battle with breast  cancer and become a survivor. Taran lived everyday with hope and appreciation for  she valued life as a gift.

Taran was preceded in death by her brother Melvin Hicks, Sr. (Pumpy). She leaves  precious memories to be treasured by her daughter, Celeste'; brother Darryl Hicks  (Gloria) of Middletown, DE; sister Jean Fendall of Marietta, GA. Host of nieces,  nephews, extended family and dear friends.