Lura Self Tally

Background

Lura Self was born in Statesville, North Carolina to Robert Ottis and Sarah Cowles Self on December 9, 1921, and she grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Education

She attended Peace College for two years before transferring to Duke University, where she graduated with a degree in English in 1942.

Career

She is a graduate of Duke University and holds a Masters degree from North Carolina State University. is based at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After raising two sons, she returned to school at North Carolina State University, where she received a Masters degree in Education. In 1972, she ran for a seat in the North Carolina General Assembly, and she became the first woman ever elected from Cumberland County. After five terms in the House, she ran for North Carolina Senate in 1982.

She served in the Senate for 12 years, serving as the Chair of the Education Committee and the Committee on the Environment.

She retired from the legislature in 1994, as the longest-serving female legislator in state history. Tally continued to serve the state at the North Carolina Museum of Natural History until 2003.

Methodist University honored Senator Tally by naming its Center for Leadership Development after her. Lura South. Tally continues her lifelong leadership contribution as a mentor to students in the Leadership Program at Methodist University.

Senator Tally was the first woman elected to the North Carolina legislature from Cumberland County.

She served 22 years in the North Carolina House and Senate, where she emphasized programs to serve education and young people, as well as to protect North Carolina"s environment. A recipient of numerous awards and commendations for her leadership, she has initiated and supported growth of significant components of community life, such as the county"s Mental Health Center and scouting. She currently holds a Gubernatorial appointment with the North Carolina Museum of Science.

Clearly, Lura South. Tally is one of Fayetteville"s special treasures, and Methodist University is proud to honor her and her leadership by naming the Leadership Program for her.

Achievements

• Lura Self Tally has been listed as a noteworthy state legislator by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Past president Cumberland County Mental Health Association, North Carolina Historic Preservation Society. Trustee Fayetteville Technology Institute, 1981—1994. Active Legislation Research Committee.

Member of American Personnel and Guidance Association, Fayetteville Woman's Club (past president), Fayetteville Business and Professional Women's Club, Kappa Delta, Delta Kappa Gamma.

Connections

Married J.O. Tally Junior, January 30, 1943 (divorced 1970). Children: Robert Taylor, John Cowles.

Father:

Robert Ottis Self

Mother:

Sara (Cowles) Self

Spouse:

J.O. Tally Junior

child:

Robert Taylor Tally

child:

John Cowles Tally