Celestia Taylor

Celestia Johnson, loan fund queen in her graduating class at Brigham Young University in 1925. Celestia Marguerita Johnson Taylor (April 8, 1903 – July 28, 1996) was a professor of English at Brigham Young University (BYU) and a member of the Relief Society general board. She wrote a column on homemaking for Relief Society Magazine (1966–70). She was an avid singer and sang in many musical performances at BYU. She participated in the last worldwide LDS Church chorus competition and won. During her time at BYU, Taylor served in multiple associations and boards, and she lectured during BYU's education week.

Early life Taylor was born on April 8, 1903, in Alpine, Utah. Her parents were Jesse Wanderus and Deseret Nash Johnson. Her father, Jesse, was a school principal and business organizer. She married Lynn Dixon Taylor in August 1927, and together they had five children. Lynn joined the faculty at BYU in 1931, enabling Celestia to take classes free of charge. She took classes from Lynn, Alice Louise Reynolds, Elise Chamberlain Carrol, and P. A. Christianson. She was a member and officer of the Utah Opera Association.

Church service She was a member of the Relief Society general board between 1962 and 1975. She wrote a report on "divine law and church government" about how the church helps members progress. She wrote the column "Development Through Homemaking Education" for Relief Society Magazine between 1966 and 1970, covering diverse topics like family budgeting, record keeping, interior decorating, and storing food for hard times. She also lectured at BYU's Education Week and other continuing education seminars.

Selected Relief Society Magazine articles "Let's Go Inside" "Outside Housekeeping" "Gardening Appearance" "House Plants" "Garden Convenience and Safety" "'She Looketh Well to the Ways of Her Household'" "'She Perceiveth Her Merchandise Is Good'"