WHEREAS, Thelma Day Johnson, a dedicated educator, generous volunteer, and vibrant member of the Newport News community, died on October 17, 2014; and

WHEREAS, a native of New Jersey, Thelma "Tede" Johnson lived in Bemus Point, New York, for more than 40 years; and

WHEREAS, after earning degrees from State University of New York at Fredonia and State University of New York at Buffalo, Tede Johnson served the youth of the community as a special education teacher for many years; and

WHEREAS, after her well-earned retirement in 1987, Tede Johnson relocated to the Commonwealth to be closer to her family, for whom she cared deeply; and

WHEREAS, Tede Johnson became an active and admired member of the Newport News community, generously volunteering her time and talents with the Virginia Living Museum, where she logged more than 13,500 hours protecting and preserving the Commonwealth's natural resources; and

WHEREAS, a woman of strong and abiding faith, Tede Johnson enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband, Herman, and her son, Antone, Tede Johnson will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her children, Rick and Valerie, and their families and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Thelma Day Johnson, a devoted educator, enthusiastic volunteer, and respected member of the Newport News community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Thelma Day Johnson as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory.