Ethel Mae Henderson Taylor’s life story is an extraordinary commitment to excellence and service to others.

Taylor began her career ‘making history’ as the first Black female radio announcer in SC. Her voice was first heard on WOIC - where she served in multiple capacities for 44 years before joining the staff of Glory Communications’ WFMV/95.3 where she hosted ‘Golden Gospel Memories’ for 14 years.

A 1946 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Benedict College, Taylor taught English in the Richland County Public Schools for 30 years. After earning her Masters of Education from the University of SC, she joined the Benedict College faculty.

Mrs. Taylor received numerous awards/recognitions, including an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Hamilton State University in 1973. She was awarded The Lula J. Hambrell Award, the highest award given to a Benedict College Alumnus. The Ethel Mae Henderson Taylor Laboratory for Computer Science at Benedict College is named in her honor. In 1977, Ethel Taylor was named 'Woman of the Year' by the Midlands Chapter of the American Business Women's Association. In 1999, Mrs. Taylor was invited to the National Association of Broadcasters convention in San Francisco as a nominee for the NAB's prestigious Marconi Award for Small Market Personality of the Year. On March 27, 2008, the South Carolina State Senate and House Of Representatives drafted a Concurrent Resolution honoring Mrs. Taylor on the occasion of her retirement from broadcasting. On March 28, 2008 Mayor Robert D. Coble declared it “Dr. Ethel Henderson Taylor Day” and Congressman James E. Clyburn presented a tribute in her honor to the U.S. House of Representatives. In January 2009, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association presented Ethel Taylor one of only twenty 'Masters Awards' - recognizing her lifetime achievements as an on air broadcaster who made significant contributions to broadcasting in South Carolina.

Taylor, a “Golden Life” member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority also served as President of both the Richland County Education Association, and the Benedict College National Alumni Association. In one of her most treasured activities, Mrs. Taylor gave more than 35 years service to the St. Mark Baptist Church as musician. We celebrate Mrs. Ethel Henderson Taylor for 58 years in broadcasting, 54 years in public education, and a lifetime of community service.

 

 

Click the play button on the above player to listen to an audio tribute to Dr. Taylor