Bill and Derthia Taube differ on the story of who caught whom when they married 50 years ago.
The couple — 93 and 91 years old, respectively — met while attending classes at the University of Alabama (UA) one summer semester. In their early 40s, both already had established careers as academics and educators.
Bill Taube said he had to block the doors of the university to keep his wife from going for a Ph.D. instead of a “Mrs.”
In Derthia Taube’s version, she said, “It took me a long time to catch him.”
The eyes of both twinkle as they tell the story.
“Bill is the greatest blessing of my life,” she said.
And it turns out — 50 years later — Derthia Taube got that last degree, too.
In a special ceremony June 24, the University of West Alabama (UWA) in Livingston — her alma mater — conferred honorary Doctor of Laws degrees on the Taubes in recognition of their lifelong support of education.
“Mr. and Mrs. Taube are such an inspiration, serving as models of lifelong service to education,” said UWA President Richard Holland. “This institution was proud … to honor them for their contributions.”
The list of their contributions is long — and it just keeps getting longer.
The fourth of 10 children, Derthia Taube started her academic career when her father — who had little money to spare — sent her with $15 to Livingston State Teachers College (now UWA) to pursue her dreams of a quality education. She followed the bachelor’s degree she earned there with a master’s degree in elementary education from UA and a AA certificate in administration.
Her husband’s path was similar.
After two years at Spring Hill College in Mobile and some time off to save money, Bill Taube finished his bachelor’s degree at UA and returned to teach at his alma mater, Robertsdale High School. He was drafted into the Army and served four years before returning to complete his master’s degree and then earn a AA certificate.
The Taubes say their paths were easily joined as far as the education goes — her dream of a good education made her want to educate others, and the influence of educators on his life made him want to do the same. “Some teacher that influenced me made me feel important and cared about me. When I finished school, I knew I wanted to teach,” Bill Taube said.
Over the decades, the two wound their way through various teacher and principal roles in the state and one stint on the missions field after retirement.
“I had brothers on the missions field in Africa, and we thought we would like to go be near them,” Derthia Taube said. The couple contacted the Foreign Mission Board (FMB, now the International Mission Board) and were told of an opening instead in Guatemala City.
For a year, Bill Taube served as principal of Colegia Maya, while his wife taught a third-grade class at the school.
“There were 11 nationalities in that class,” she said. She received a certificate of recognition from the FMB and the Guatemala Baptist Convention for her work on the field.
“It was a wonderful experience for us there,” she said, elaborating on things she remembers about the school, the children and the view through the couple’s window of a constantly erupting volcano.
Whether on the missions field or at home, one thing was true about their involvement in education, Bill Taube said — “For us, it wasn’t a job — it was our profession.”
The only thing the two part ways on is their preference in churches. Derthia Taube, a lifelong Alabama Baptist, remembers riding in the wagon to church with her family. Bill Taube was brought up as an Episcopalian. But both agree it has never been a problem.
She’s been active at First Baptist Church, Mobile, in Mobile Baptist Association since she began teaching in the area years ago. He has been a longtime leader, instrumentalist and active member at All Saints Episcopal Church in Mobile.
“I tried to convert him but it has never worked,” Derthia Taube said with a laugh.
James Walters, pastor of First, Mobile, said there are “not enough words to describe” what Derthia Taube, a longtime Sunday School teacher and Woman’s Missionary Union leader, has meant to the church. “She’s a dearly loved, gracious Christian lady … with a heart for missions and for education,” he said. “Her life is centered around education and her church.”
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