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Maybe, Just Maybe, We've Located Northeast High School's Oldest Living Alumnus...
By Luella Copenhaver Rew '59

Dorothy Jackson Taylor, class of 1924, sent in her "Active Membership" dues recently. To the best of our knowledge, we had just heard from Northeast's oldest living alumnus. I thought that her name was familiar to me, so I volunteered to contact her and write an article honoring her in the Spring Purple & White News.

Upon calling and talking to Mrs. Taylor, we determined that we had both been members and had attended Independence Boulevard Christian Church in the 1950's. Mrs. Taylor was a member of IBCC for over 40 years. Nancy and Bill Cook, Mrs. Taylor's daughter and son-in law, were the leaders for the church's youth group. Nancy passed away in 1991 and Mrs. Taylor lives with family members in her home.

She is a very young 100 years of age and looks remarkable. She says that living with family members is a wonderful thing. She says that the family members spoil her, and she loves it.

Mrs. Taylor was born on December 17, 1906 in the neighborhood known as the Sheffield Steel area of Northeast. She attended Henry Clay School, Northeast Senior High School and Kansas City Teachers' College. Her graduate degree was from the University of Kansas City.

After receiving her degree, she began teaching at Henry Clay School and continued teaching there for 27 years. After Henry Clay she taught nine years at McCoy and five years at Ashland School. Upon retirement she had taught for 41 years in the Kansas City School District. About 20 of her students have kept in contact with her over the years and continue to call, visit and send cards. She loves having visitors, although she informed us that afternoons are better for her; she's not a morning person.

Mrs. Taylor married Delmar Taylor in 1929 and sadly, he died of pneumonia in 1931 after 18 months of marriage. Nancy was two months of age when her father passed away.

On her 100th birthday last December, her family had a party for her at the Englewood Assembly of God Church and 92 people attended. She is proud to say that her life has been interesting and rewarding.

Pat Toates Snell '59 and I visited Mrs. Taylor at home. We had a wonderful visit. Pat's husband, George '59 was also an IBCC member and was in the church's youth group.

Thank you, Mrs. Taylor, for sharing your time with us. It was our pleasure to visit with you.