Claudia Alta Taylor Johnson
December 22nd 1912 – July 7th 2007

Of English and Scottish descent, Claudia Alta Taylor was born in Karnack, Texas, at The Brick House, the plantation home of her parents. Her father was Thomas Jefferson Taylor (1874-1960), a wealthy businessman who owned a general store; her mother, who died when she was only six years old, was the former Minnie Pattillo (1874-1918). Following her mother’s death, she and her siblings were largely raised by Minnie Taylor’s sister, Effie Pattillo.

During her infancy, a nursemaid commented, “She’s as pretty as a ladybird”, and that nickname virtually replaced her given name for the rest of her life.

As First Lady, Johnson started a capital beautification project (Society for a More Beautiful National Capital) to improve physical conditions in Washington, D.C., both for residents and tourists. Her efforts inspired similar programs throughout the country. She was also instrumental in promoting the Highway Beautification Act, which sought to beautify the nation’s highway system by limiting billboards and by planting roadside areas.

She was an advocate of the Head Start program.

Johnson’s press secretary from 1963-1969 was Liz Carpenter, a fellow University of Texas alumna. Carpenter was the first professional newswoman to be press secretary to a first lady, and she also served as Lady Bird’s staff director.