Lillian Taylor, center, was presented the 2005 Greene County Women of Courage award Tuesday at Tusculum College. The award was a project of a sociology class taught by Dr. Bonnie Winfield, at left. At right is a member of the class, Tori Buck.

Lillian Taylor, who has worked for years to educate the public about the dangers of nuclear testing and weapons, was presented the 2005 "Greene County Women of Courage" award Tuesday at Tusculum College. "Lillian is a tremendous resource for our college and this community, therefore, she is eminently qualified to receive this award today," said the Rev. Steve Weisz, campus chaplain and associate professor of religious studies, in his tribute to Taylor. "I am still a little overwhelmed," a smiling Taylor said as she accepted the honor. "From the bottom of my heart I thank you very much." Taylor was presented the award by Tusculum President Dr. Dolphus E. Henry in front of an audience of her family, friends, and students in a Tusculum sociology class. The award presentation was a project for the class, taught by Dr. Bonnie Winfield, assistant professor of sociology. Students also met with Taylor and learned first-hand about her story. That story was told during the ceremony by Dr. Weisz, who recounted Taylor's birth in Norway, immigration to the United States with her family, and her marriage to Kirman Taylor.

The Taylors spent their professional lives in Ohio, where Kirman was a chemical engineer and Lillian was an elementary school teacher. The Taylors came to Greene County when they retired in 1980, where they immediately became and continue to be active in the community, Weisz added.

"Ironically, it was Kirman's knowledge of nuclear fuels and the dangers of nuclear testing and nuclear weapons that led Lillian to become concerned about these issues," he said.

Taylor became affiliated with Peace Links, a group working to inform the public of the dangers of nuclear testing and weapons and to promote an end to nuclear testing and weapons. She attended a protest in Washington, D.C. organized by the group and became acquainted with the president of organization.

Taylor also learned of another group, Physicians Concerned About Nuclear War, who were trying to raise awareness and change the fact that nothing had been done to prepare the United States for a nuclear attack.

On her own, Taylor visited pastors in the area to find out what stand their churches were taking about nuclear war and weapons, and "became a prophetic voice in a wilderness that knew little about peacemaking," Dr. Weisz said. She also hosted meetings in her home to inform people about these issues.

A frequent lecturer to groups, Taylor was courageous "because there were civic leaders who did not want her message heard, who did not want to upset the status quo," he said.

Taylor was also able to visit Russia, meeting with women and going to grade schools to discuss the issues of nuclear weapons and war, he said, and the Taylors taught a course, "War and Peace," along with Dr. Weisz and long-time Tusculum College Professor of History Dr. Donal Sexton.

Friends and associates of Taylor were also given an opportunity to comment about what she has meant in their lives.

"In the short time that I have come to know Lillian, other words that are ingredients of courage come to mind," said George Collins, director of Tusculum's Museum Program and Studies. "Lillian has standards, values, and ethics." Taylor is president of the Andrew Johnson Memorial Association, a volunteer group that assists and promotes the two museums on the Tusculum campus.

Joyce Doughty, vice president of the association, said she had the privilege of knowing Taylor for a number of years, and that, when she thinks of her, the term "woman of conviction" comes to mind. "When Lillian believes in something and believes it is right, she will make a clear statement about it," continued Doughty, community service coordinator for Tusculum's Center for Civic Advancement.

Doughty and Taylor attend the same church, and Doughty said Taylor is very active member of the congregation, co-chairing a committee that goes out and helps others in the church and the community that may be experiencing difficulties. "She is a very caring person and personally has been helpful to me," Doughty said of Taylor. "It is my privilege to know her as a friend."

Gloria Weisz said that Taylor is a "woman of insight and listening. She has helped so many people with her listening skills and her quiet encouragement."

Emily Doak, who volunteers with Taylor in the Andrew Johnson Memorial Association, said she has been a "wonderful" person with which to work. "She helps me … and has been a great friend."

Members of Dr. Winfield's class also thanked Taylor for visiting with them and sharing her experiences. "Visiting with her, it was so inspiring and we learned so much," said Misty Dorsey. In the closing of the ceremony, T.C. Pilson thanked Taylor for her showing the students the difference the efforts of one person can make and that they do have a voice that can be heard in this country.

The Women of Courage Award is presented annually to a woman from Greene County who has made a significant contribution to the community. This is the second year of the award - the first was presented last spring to Mary Jane Coleman, who initiated the annual Sinking Creek Film Festival here to spotlight independent filmmaking in the 1969 and was instrumental in the formation of the Tennessee Arts Commission.

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