Edith was one of the first African American instructors to end the segregated school systems in the South, four years before South Carolina was forced to integrate. In 1966 the superintendent of Anderson School District One requested Edith transfer to the all white Wren High School to teach Social Studies and English.

In 1967, Edith became the first African American female instructor at Greenville Technical Educational College. Edith taught English and reading to Veterans of the United States Armed Services for 14 years.

Edith holds a Bachelor of Art's degree from Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina and a Master of Arts degree from South Carolina State University-Orangeburg.

Over the past 60 years, Edith has performed many solo concerts and has also sung with many other famous African American artists from the Greenville area. She was a favorite Sunday morning event with the late Lucille Smith and Luke Chapman. While living in Georgia, she was the star of the "Edith Ferguson Radio Hour." Not only is she a lyric soprano, Edith is an eloquent motivational speaker.

Edith's early church life began at Jubilee Baptist Church where she is still a member and has been a church musician for over 60 years, as well as being active in several of their committees and organizations.

Edith is also a member of the Taylors-Greer Choral Union, Azah Court #101 (Daughters of Isis), Piedmont Assembly #169, Mt. Grove Eastern Star Chapter, Assistant Director of the South Carolina Shiners' Choir, and a tutor for students who have difficulty in Reading.

Edith has three children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Dr. Veronica Johnson of Anderson, has followed in her footsteps in Education and this past year became the first African American Principal in Hartwell, GA since integration. Edith also has one sister.

For her willingness to lift up her voice, not only in song, but in teaching and speaking and inspiring others, 107.3 JAMZ is proud to salute Edith Ruth Skinner Ferguson as a 2008 Upstate Black History Maker.