[tabi] Re: Johnnie Slaton - A True Advocate
- From: "Lynda Jones" <lyndajones2414@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 09:31:47 -0400
Sila, you have described Johnnie perfectly! Two characteristics stand out to
me. The Lighthouse of the Big Bend VR staff meet regularly with the DBS
staff to discuss clients prepared for work. I remember at those meetings
Johnnie frequently listened quietly to the discussion and then would offer a
succinct but astute suggestion. Those suggestions reminded me of the E. F.
Hutton commercials, "when Johnnie speaks, everyone listens."
Johnnie was the consummate role model. Once I was in her office with a
client we shared. As Johnnie moved around her office gathering materials for
the client, she described what she was doing. Finally, the client asked her
how much vision she had. She said, "None." "How can you move around so
easily? The cclient asked. Then she gave him a lesson in using your other
senses.
Not only will she be missed for her knowledge, advocacy, work ethic, but for
the hope she demonstrated to newly blinded folks that people can and do live
fulfilling lives without vision.
I hope like Johnnie I can be remembered spending my last moments thinking of
others and not myself.
Lynda Jones
_____
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Sila Miller
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2014 8:31 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Johnnie Slaton - A True Advocate
Good evening All,
It is with a heavy heart that I relay the sad news of Johnnie Slaton's
untimely passing. This is not only a great loss for Tallahassee and her
citizens who are blind but for the local chapter of the National Federation
of the Blind (NFB).
Johnnie apparently passed away in the early morning hours today. She had
suffered several strokes, one of which was responsible for the loss of her
eye sight. She was feeling poorly yesterday but in true "Johnnie fashion"
was putting off going to Urgent Care until she completed tying up some loose
ends. She left an enthusiastic voicemail for a co-worker-shortly before the
time of her death-excited that she'd acquired some needed equipment and
happy about how much it was going to help in accomplishing yet more work.
Johnnie was one of the most sincere and committed people I know. She was
passionate in her quest to bring about equality and level the playing field
for people who are blind/visually impaired. She supported not only NFB but
reached out a hand of friendship, cooperation and support to Tallahassee
Council of the Blind. She had no time to waste and seized every opportunity
to advocate, educate and build relationships to further the cause of making
life better for people without eye sight.
I have yet to come to terms with the void she's left. To say she will be
missed doesn't touch how deep this loss is. I cannot imagine how grieved her
loved ones are. I just talked to her and am glad for every conversation, for
every event we worked together and for the friendship we forged. God rest
you, advocate, friend, crusader, lady, caring human, over-comer, Johnnie.
You were an example to all and your memory will live on.
With sympathy for us all and in highest regard for Johnnie, I end with what
she loved to say, "Bravo!" for the work you did while here on this earth.
"Bravo!" for the rich legacy/example you've left us with.
God rest you and comfort your family and friends,
Love,
Sila
Other related posts:
