Brenda Kaye Raye was born in Cedar Hill in 1943.  Her father's great grandfather settled on the southern edge of Cedar Hill in 1855 and her mother's family settled in the Duncanville area in the 1860's.


Brenda's grandfather, "Cat" Switzer, attended Cedar Hill school in the 1910's and Brenda along with her four siblings began and completed school in Cedar Hill.

Brenda married Marvin Taylor and they have three daughters, Donna, Sloan and Tessa.  Brenda has a grandson, Tristan, who is the 7th generation and two great grand children, Joseph and Kelsie, who are the 8th generation to attend school in Cedar Hill.

For many years Brenda was involved with the Volunteer Fire Dept.Wives Auxiliary who sold food at the annual Old Settler's Reunion to raise funds.  In 1992 Brenda was a key volunteer in the restoration of the Pleasant Valley Cemetery where many of her ancestors are buried.  She acquired a Texas Historical Marker for the Cemetery in 1995.  Brenda was an avid fundraiser in the restoration and preservation of Penn Farm and helped with hayrides, cook outs, ice cream socials and the building of a "spirit" float.  Brenda was instrumental in the opening of the History Resource Center (1995-2010) at the Zula B. Wylie Library.  Brenda has been a "co-organizer" of the annual Cedar Hill School Reunion for many years.  Last years event at the Bray Elementary gym brought over 300 alumni together.

Brenda's passion for Cedar Hill history is deep and she continues to build her collection of documents and photographs, sharing them with the Cedar Hill Historical Society and assisting the Museum in the acquisition of Cedar Hill artifacts.  Brenda is greatly loved and appreciated by the entire community.