HERTHA WARD TAYLOR

Her Story

Hertha Mae Ward Taylor was born in 1914 in Boston, Massachusetts to Minnie B. and The Reverend Cassius Ward.  Hertha was one of 5 children, Cassius, Edgar, Alvin and Weltha.  Hertha was the last survivor.  Hertha comes from a family that has impressive genes.  Her Grandfather was a freed slave and lived to be 115 only to be hit by a truck.  Her mother passed away in 1999 at the age of 114.  Hertha wanted to live, she was a fighter and did not go easily.

Hertha was an educator in the New Orleans School System before working for the Indianapolis Public School System for many years at Crispus Attucks High School, in the Business Administration Department and at School #44 and School #67 as a History teacher before retiring after 30 years.

Hertha graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and is a member of the AKA Sorority. Hertha went on to obtain an advanced Degree in Education from Indiana University.  Hertha was an active member of Broadway Methodist Church after joining in 1967.  Hertha sang in the choir for many years and enjoyed playing the piano.  Hertha for years was a member of the Bridge Club and the Book Club.

Hertha met Joseph T. Taylor while she was working in Chicago for the Housing Authority.  Joseph was still in the Army.  They were married on February 18, 1944.  Hertha and Dr. Joseph were blessed with three children: Judy, Hussain and Meshach. Meshach in 2014 and Joseph in 2001 preceded Hertha in death. Many evenings in the 1960's Hertha and   Joseph would be out late dancing and socializing.  Joseph and Hertha doing that same time frame held tickets to I.U. Football and would drive to Bloomington to bear the cold and watch the Hoosiers play regularly.

Hertha enjoyed making some of her clothing on her Singer sewing machine.  She loved to cook.  When Flanner House was still located on Missouri Street and 16th Street there was a cannery and many summers were spent at the cannery making strawberry preserves, pear preserves, apple preserves and grape juice.  She was always in the kitchen or at the dining room table looking for recipes.  Hertha took classes at Ivy Tech to improve on her baking skills.  She worked her magic on the family's long kept secret recipe for monkey bread and sold many loaves to friends and church members.

Hertha and Joseph traveled often and to many faraway places, to include China, Morocco, Italy, Spain, France, The U.S Virgin Islands, Hawaii, Jamaica and all over the United States.   Consequently, Meshach was born in Boston, Judy in St. Louis and Hussain in New Orleans.

Mrs. Taylor's ex-students remained in touch each year until her health began to decline. Hertha drove until she was well into her 90's.  She would attend the Riverside Yearly Reunion where she was honored by her former students.  She was a mentor to many of the young men and women she met over the years. Her knowledge and her spirit will be missed by many.

She departed this earthly life on August 1, 2022. at the age of one hundred and eight years old. She leaves behind her son, Hussain Taylor; daughter, Judy Taylor; and host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Humbly Submitted                   The Family

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