I remember her from my homeroom in the late '70s. I was there 1976-1980 and she was the homeroom teacher for most of the beginning of that before she took leave in the 4th year or so when Mrs. Stone was there when I finished. I never had her as a teacher per se except maybe filling in for her peers on occasion. Ms. Johnson as I knew here as a student was a wonderful person, mentor, and a pleasure to have as a teacher. We never quite knew why she left and always wondered why, but her memory lives on through her accomplishments and the marks she made in the classroom. She will truly be missed by those of us that briefly had the fortune of having her as part of our life, in my case, through school.

I am one of many who were inspired by Mrs. Johnson’s teaching, empathy, challenge, and guidance. Writer’s Workshop circles at The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary on Friday afternoons formed me. As I move through my own teaching career, I remain guided by the care and love she always showed to her students. I hope her family and friends can find some comfort in knowing that the legacy of an impactful teacher like Mrs. Johnson carries on through generations.

Ms. Johnson was one of my favorite teachers in school (Peabody class of '95). Writing workshop, Beyond magazine, and creative writing class were huge parts of my life, and her love of literature that she shared with us was a joy. I am so thankful that we had the privilege of having her as a teacher and mentor. May her memory be a blessing for all who knew her.

My deep condolences to Pam's husband and family. I was fortunate enough to work with Pam for many years when she was teaching writing at Peabody. Her students clearly loved her--she was a kind, dedicated teacher, thoughtful, compassionate, and enthusiastic. It's a tribute to Pam that she was able to form this after-school writing group that created a safe place for these students to express themselves. Pam also got the literary arts to be recognized by CAPA as an art form through her hard work and dedication. She was a delight to be around. I will always remember sitting across the street from Peabody on the seminary lawn with her and her students and admiring the sweet community that she created. Her grace and kindness warming them like the sun.

Jim Daniels