Gizella “Gig” (Taylor) Bikacsan, 99, of DeGraff, walked into the arms of Jesus at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Green Hills Care Center in West Liberty, Ohio.
She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 3, 1925, a daughter of the late Louis A. Taylor (Szabo) and Mary (Domjan) Taylor and, after Mary’s passing, her stepmother, Suzanne Papp.
On June 15, 1946, Gig married Walter Paul Bikacsan in Akron, Ohio, and went into ministry together for 30 years. Rev. Bikacsan preceded her in death on September 19, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her son, Dennis M. Bikacsan, five siblings and four of their spouses. Her siblings were Louis (Annie) Taylor Jr., Elmer “Al” (Ruth) Taylor, Magdaline Taylor, Mary (Carl) Few, and Elsie Kilmer.
Gig is survived by two children, Sharon J. (Pastor Bill) Halter of DeGraff, Ohio, and Ronald W. Bikacsan of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee as well as her brother-in-law, Mervin Kilmer and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gig had attended the Cleveland Bible College (later known as Malone University) with her husband, Walt. Becoming a full-time mother and homemaker, she did her best to provide for her family while making the best use of a pastor’s income. She shared her knowledge and experience with her children hoping to give them the foundation for a good life lived with God at the center. As a pastor’s wife, Gig was often secretary and right-arm to Walt for the needs of the church and community.
Gig was also a trained musician and choir director. Classical music and foundational hymns of the church floated from the keys of any organ or piano she touched. She could play many pieces in any key without one note of music. There were also times she would grace an audience with her beloved accordion that began its use in her teen years with the family gospel singing group her father started.
Although given the nickname of Gig by her brothers, she was affectionately called “Giggy” in the past couple years by her loving caretakers at Green Hills. It made her heart smile. She knew they said it in love; and she loved them right back.
A visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 24, at the First United Methodist Church, 201 N. Main Street in Bellefontaine, where Pastor Bill Halter will officiate a funeral service at 5 p.m. Burial will be at Northlawn Memorial Gardens in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gig’s memory to the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, 475 Riverside Drive, #1700, New York, NY 10115.
Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, DeGraff, is honored to serve the Bikacsan family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
