Edith Taylor Langster, a dedicated Nashville public servant, transitioned on June 30, 2024. She was born January 31, 1949 in Painesville, Ohio, to Wallace and Willa (Dorsey) Taylor. She spent most of her childhood growing up in North Nashville, enjoying playing with her friends and going to the Ritz Theater on Jefferson St., even though she had to take her younger brother Wallace. Every summer her family took trips to visit family in Painesville, Ohio.
After attending Pearl High School, she participated in a pre-college program at Fisk University, gaining exposure to the dynamic, supportive HBCU experience. After graduating, she attended her parents’ alma mater, Tennessee State University (TSU). Edith earned a Bachelor’s degree in sociology, and then continued graduate studies. Throughout her life, she remained an avid supporter of the TSU community, its administration, alumni association, and athletic teams. She could often be seen at many football homecoming games and parades.
After a brief marriage producing two beautiful baby boys, she began her career in law enforcement. Beginning in 1972, she initially started as a dispatcher until the state of Tennessee ratified the Equal Rights Amendment by passing House Joint Resolution 371, which explicitly prohibited sexual discrimination. She was then allowed to attend the Nashville Metro Police Training Academy, where she graduated after six months. Upon graduation in 1974, she became the first woman, and first Black women, assigned to the Patrol Division of Nashville Metro Police Department. After the patrol division, Edith worked in MPDs Youth Services and Intelligence divisions. She ended her trailblazing career with MPD in 1982.
Transitioning from law enforcement, she followed her passion as a community activist. Her early endeavors included the North Nashville Organization for Community Improvement and the Davidson County Democratic Women’s Club. Edith eventually set her sights on an elected office as a way to contribute her talents and passion for the community. She was elected to the Nashville City Council, serving from 1991–1995 in District 20. Her second time on the Council was 2007–2015 in District 21.
In the middle of these tenures on the Council, she ran for state Representative and held six terms from 1995–2006, serving District 54. In all, she served 12 years in the Tennessee State House of Representatives and 12 years on the Nashville City Council.
During her years in the City Council and as a state Representative, she politicked, advocated with and against many colleagues, acquaintances and friends. Over the years, she became a well known voice and leader of the Tennessee community and government. Edith was known for developing strong friendships amongst her colleagues and neighbors of all ages—many of which she would speak on the phone with daily and sometimes multiple times a day. Everyone who knew Edith, knew what her position was on an issue and respected her voice and guidance. Her most significant accomplishments were getting a Kroger grocery store, Walgreens, and a new fire hall established in her neighborhood. Edith was also instrumental in gaining the support and necessary zoning updates that helped bring the Tennessee Titans to Nashville and remained a strong supporter and fan of Titan football.
She was an active member of many organizations including, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc. and Top Ladies of Distinction. Edith was an avid church goer. She raised her two sons in the St. Anslem’s Episcopal Church, where they both served as acolytes. Over the years, she visited and frequented several churches in the community and ultimately joined St. Ann Catholic Church.
Throughout the years, she received many accolades and recognitions, including Certificate of Appreciation, Senior Citizens, Inc.; Award of Appreciation, National Black State Trooper Coalition; Award of Recognition, Tennessee Center for Labor Management Relations; and Woman of the Year award by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women.
She is survived by her sons, Travis (Andrea) Langster, David (Carmen) Langster; five grandchildren, Taylor Brianna Langster, Avery Langster, Lauryn Langster, Kayla Langster, Kyle Langster; brother, Wallace (Sandra) H. Taylor, Jr; nieces Kristen Leandra G. Taylor, Amy Davis, Adora (Benjamin) Rogers. The family thanks her many, many, faithful and long-time friends and organizations including her sorority sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority; The Top Ladies of Distinction; Dr. Janet Parham; and Tom Lipscomb.
Register of Deeds Johnson on the passing of Rep. Edith Taylor Langster
On learning of the passing of former State Rep. Edith Taylor Langster, Nashville Davidson County Register of Deeds Karen Johnson issued the following statement:
“Our community and our city have lost a giant with the passing of Edith Taylor Langster, a former State Representative, Metro Council member, and the first African-American woman and first woman to serve as a patrol officer for Metro Police. We not only mourn her as a trailblazer, but we have lost her wise counsel and her endearing friendship.
“I recently visited with Rep. Langster at Vanco Manor, and she shared her regular wise advice to help me focus on what matters. I am a better public servant because of her frequent counsel and friendship.
“Rep. Langster helped open the doors that all Nashville women in public service, and especially African-American women, have been blessed to walk through. I am one of those who benefited, and I have lost a friend.”
