Thelma was, simply put, "one-of-a-kind" in the very best of connotations. She was my dearest friend. She had experienced the ups-and-downs of life and indeed, she was a "Southern" (perhaps more accurately, a Virginia) lady, never wanting to present at table without being immaculately dressed, cherishing her nice porcelain teacups and saucers, and commenting proudly on her heritage. At College Arms, her upstairs neighbour dubbed her "Miss Lord and Taylor". She loved flowers and animals - the more of each the merrier. She once commented that "most of my friends are 30 or 40 years younger than I and that is what has kept me young". People, up until recently, guessed her age several decades less than actual. She enjoyed fine food and nice wines and champagnes. She had lived in approximately 38 states during her life. The Johnson family reunion was the highlight of her year until very recent years when health prevented the travel; she was usually accompanied by her daughter, Norma Woods. She surely had the "Miss Conviviality" title at "The Villa" (Golden Living), getting along well with everyone; she grew to like it very much and it became her "world". I am very lucky to have met her in the autumn of 2001 upon moving to Collegeville and she remained my good friend to the end. I will miss her immensely. Jack Hockett/Newark, DE
