Lucy Ellen Gibson Taylor

Lucy Ellen Gibson Taylor, died Nov. 15, 2011. She was born February 14, 1923, in Sherman, Texas, to Lucy Cox Gibson and William Basil Gibson. Ellen graduated from Sherman high school, and entered the University of Texas at Austin in 1940. She was a member of the Press Club, Orange Jackets, Bluestockings, Who’s Who in Colleges, 30 Club, and Mortar Board, where she served as president her senior year. She was a Bluebonnet Belle Nominee. She received her BA in Journalism and English in 1944.

Soon after graduating, she started working in public relations for Braniff Airways, Incorporated, just as the airline began to open routes to South America in the 1940s.

As publicity manager/director for the company, she was one of the first women in an executive position in Dallas. Traveling throughout South America, Ellen made contacts and opened communications to expand Braniff’s presence abroad. She was sent to Brazil to write a story about the buildings designed by architects Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa for the new capital Brasilia, one of many stories she wrote in her 16-year career.

She attended many civic activities in Dallas in her capacity as Braniff’s representative,

and acted as tour guide on chartered flights for groups flying to South America on business. She was asked by Stanley Marcus to scout out interesting products for Neiman Marcus to use in their theme productions.

She married William Nelson Taylor II of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, on February 25, 1961, and they made Dallas their home.

She is survived by one son, Stephen Cox Taylor of Denton, Texas, and one stepson, William N. Taylor III, of Euless, Texas, and his wife Linda Taylor. A memorial service will be held at the Shipp Chapel, Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, at 10 am Monday, November 21, 2011. “A problem, could she help,” was her greeting — she shared her knowledge and wisdom. She will be remembered for always helping out others.