Mrs. Mary Kate Stovall-Tapley devoted her life to education, faith, public service, business, and the Russell County community.

After earning her degrees from Alabama State College, now Alabama State University, she began a distinguished career in education. She served the Russell County School System for 25 years as a teacher and librarian while continuing her own education and earning a master’s degree in library science from Atlanta University.

Following her retirement from education, Mrs. Stovall-Tapley continued serving her community through public office. She served two terms on the Hurtsboro Town Council before making history in 1984 as the first Black woman elected mayor of Hurtsboro and the first Black woman to serve as a mayor in the State of Alabama. She served four terms as mayor, providing leadership to the community through 2000.

Her dedication also extended to business and community service. She owned and operated Stovall Funeral Home, a family-owned business that has served Hurtsboro and the surrounding communities for generations.

The Mary Kate Stovall-Tapley Scholarship continues her remarkable legacy by supporting graduating seniors from Russell County District 7 as they pursue higher education. The scholarship promotes academic achievement and helps students become outstanding citizens who will positively impact their communities. Since its establishment in 2021, the foundation has awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships to Russell County High School seniors.

This Giving Day, we invite you to honor Mrs. Stovall-Tapley’s lifetime of service by investing in the next generation. Every gift, regardless of size, helps provide deserving students with the financial support they need to continue their education and build a brighter future.

Please consider making a gift today. Together, we can preserve Mrs. Stovall-Tapley’s extraordinary legacy and empower future leaders to serve their communities with the same dedication, courage, and compassion.

Chattahoochee Valley Foundation