Benedict’s Dr. Ethel Taylor Dead at 87

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — As mourners gathered on the campus of Benedict College to celebrate the life of legend, icon and community activist, Dr. Ethel Mae Henderson Taylor, those whom she inspired vow to model her commitment to service. “She’s definitely someone be like when I ‘grow up.'” Media personality Tre’ Tailor and radio show host Tony ‘Gee’ Green both recognize their careers exist because of people like Dr. Ethel Taylor. Taylor was the first African American female radio announcer in South Carolina, spending 58 years in radio broadcasting. “I’ve been in radio for 30 years and women were having a hard time at the time I started,” said Green. ” So that shows what enormity of a step that she made.” Taylor died at her Midlands home this week, at the age of 87. Those who knew her say her life was characterized by meeting the needs of the community. The Benedict College and University of South Carolina graduate taught in the Richland One public school system before becoming an English professor at Benedict College. Hundreds of mourners gathered in the historic Antisdel Chapel Thursday to say goodbye and, at the same time, renew their commitment to serve.