10 Who Care Winner - Thelma Johnson

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - THIS QUOTE IS FROM THE HONOREE – “I’LL CONTINUE TO VOLUNTEER UNTIL I CANNOT PHYSICALLY DO IT ANYMORE. IT GIVES ME A REAL SENSE OF PURPOSE.”

After 22 years and 12,500 hours of volunteering at the Virginia Living Museum, no one can doubt the sincerity of her intentions.

As a former Jamestown Public Schools teacher, she knows how to engage children. Her storytelling, her personal drawings of museum animals and her enthusiasm for the work there help draw children and visitors in.

She and volunteers go to fairs and events to speak for and about the museum and its mission – taking her favorite along with her – the Great Horned Owl. Around the museum she’s sometimes known as The Owl Lady, sometimes The Story Lady, and students have even called her Mother Nature.

This honoree sees no job too small or too large. She counts coin donations and travels as part of the Speakers Bureau. And at the age of 82, nothing can stop this dedicated volunteer. Her fundraising ideas and efforts helped raise $100,000 for the museum.

In April of this year her work at the Virginia Living Museum brought her national recognition when she was named 2010 Volunteer of the Year by the American Association of Museum Volunteers.

Our Partners On Your Side and WAVY-TV honor TEDE JOHNSON as one of our 10 WHO CARE.