Mildred Ethel Thompson Taylor Mildred Ethel Thompson Taylor was born in Greenville County on March 28, 1918, to the late George W. Thompson and Blanche Ross Thompson. Her mother, Blanche Thompson, was the owner and operator of Thompson Funeral Home on Forest Street in Greer, SC, from 1933 until her death in 1953.
Mildred Taylor joined Maple Creek Baptist Church in Greer, SC, at an early age. She was a dedicated member and served as financial secretary for many years until her death in 1981.
She graduated from Sterling High School in Greenville, SC, on June 1, 1936. After graduating from Sterling, she attended South Carolina State College (currently SC State University) in Orangeburg, SC. She received her B.S. Degree in Business Administration in 1940. Afterwards, she met and married her husband, Wilbur T. Taylor. They had one son, Wilbur D. Taylor, who currently lives in Greenville, SC, with his wife, Bessie M. Taylor. Later, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1954.
She began her teaching career in 1942. She taught at St. Mark High School in Johnsonville, SC, until 1944. She taught at Seller Junior High School in Florence, SC, until 1946, and later at Rock Hill Elementary School in Duncan, SC. She was a math teacher for many years at Florence Chapel High School in Wellford, SC, until its doors closed in 1969. Eventually, she retired from James F. Byrnes High School in May 1980. She died a year later in May 1981 after a battle with cancer.
Mildred T. Taylor was the grandmother of the first black woman to win the title of Miss Greater Greer in 1989, Stephanie Taylor Johnson. The following is Stephanie's memories of her grandmother, Taylor:
"I have some very special memories of my grandmother. I went everywhere with her from church to meeting her after school at Byrnes High School where she was a math teacher. Since the elementary and middle schools were across the street, I walked over after school so we could ride home together. I normally walked the halls of the school, then head to her room to finish my homework and have a snack. She was a believer in education. There were books and magazines around the house. She encouraged me to do my "best work." It was important for me to make her proud by being an honor roll student, respect others, and stay out of trouble.
My earliest memories include preparing for bridge club meetings. My grandmother enjoyed having her ladies over to play cards. She would setup the living room with extra tables and chairs. We went by the local bakery to pick up a white sheet cake. We even made all the appetizers and punch. As they would play bridge, I repeatedly go to the table for appetizers and punch. I loved whenever it was her turn to host because it was an afternoon of food, laughter, and smiles for everyone.
My grandmother was a dedicated business woman. She was a landlord. The Thompson Funeral Home that had been owned by her mother, Blanche R. Thompson, was converted into apartments. She was responsible for the upkeep of the three family units. I remember going with her to collect the rent or meeting contractors to do work on the home. This was my first introduction into the business world and the importance of knowing your finances. She was direct, but fair. She made sure things were handled properly.
My grandmother was the financial secretary at Maple Creek Baptist Church. She kept meticulous records for the church. She stood tall and spoke clearly when giving the financial update. She also typed and prepared the weekly programs for Sunday morning service. I always helped to copy and fold. I guess you can say that was my first non-paying job outside the home.
We have all heard the saying "To Whom Much is Given Much is required." My grandmother Taylor cared about giving back to others that were less fortunate. We spent many Saturday's delivering Meals-On-Wheels to the elderly in our community. She didn't just deliver food, but would also take the time to talk for awhile. I could tell everyone that received a meal really appreciated the extra time. As I got older, it sparked my yearning to give back as well.
During her last two years, she battled cancer with dignity and grace. She knew that her strength was fleeting.
She retired from Byrnes High School and graciously turned over her church duties to Mrs. Margaret Hill. Despite her sickness from the chemotherapy, she still wanted her hair to be in place and outfits put together. She smiled often, even though she didn't feel well. I don't think she wanted me to know how really bad things were at the time. But, I did. I was there during everything. I know it was hard for her to ask for help. But she definitely appreciated all that my mother and father, Mr. & Mrs. Wilbur Taylor, Aunt Lovely, and others did to make her time here full of peace and comfort. I'm so very honored and proud to be the granddaughter of such a wonderfully strong and caring person."
