Pamela Johns, my beloved mother who passed away at the age of 85, was born during the year when women in the UK received an equal right to vote as men, thanks to the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act. Throughout her life, she remained an advocate for women’s suffrage and never missed to remind her family, which comprised her three daughters and 14 granddaughters, of how crucial it is for women to exercise their right to vote. Such was her passion for this cause that she even convinced the staff at the hospital where she was recuperating after undergoing a major operation to accompany her to the polling station.
Education was the cornerstone of my mother’s life. Born in Catford, south London, she was awarded a scholarship to the Bromley County Grammar school for girls, where she excelled and eventually became the head girl in 1945. Furthering her studies, she pursued geography at the University of London’s Bedford College and graduated in 1949. Starting her teaching profession at Croydon High School for Girls, which is now known as Croydon High School, she impressed the headteacher, Margaret Adams, who predicted that Pamela’s strength of character, amiable personality, teaching ability, and diverse interests would guide her to success in any field she chose.
She instilled a strong work ethic in her children and always encouraged us to perform our best in everything we did. Whenever family disagreements arose, she would frequently quote her favorite adage, "life isn’t fair," to maintain discipline. She resumed teaching when my brother began schooling in 1970, joining Blackheath High School before moving on to Farringtons School in Chislehurst. Despite balancing her family commitments with her professional responsibilities, she efficiently managed to attend to all her duties, dedicating her evening hours to assessing our homework, grading our assessments, preparing lesson plans, and even staying up late to iron our clothes. She was an outstanding role model, indeed.
Moving to Sheffield with my father in 1982, Pamela undertook an Open University degree, which she successfully completed while also providing voluntary literacy classes for adults. After her retirement and relocation to Winchester in 1998, Pamela remained active in the community and volunteered at the constituency office of the local Liberal Democrat MP, Mark Oaten. Oaten only has kind words to say about her elegant bearing and comforting nature.
Survived by her husband, Richard, of 59 years, her three daughters, Susan, Katharine, and Lucy, her son, Tim, her sixteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, Pamela Johns will forever hold a unique place in our hearts, and her memories will stay with us always.
