THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603220240
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Christine M. Points
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
In 1928, just eight years after American women received the vote, Lois Westbrook Johnson cast her first-ever presidential ballot - for Herbert Hoover, and the Republican Party.
At 88, Johnson is still casting her ballot for the Republican Party.
``I haven't had a mind to change yet,'' she says.
The Portsmouth native retired from the public school system after working for 40 years as a regular and substitute teacher of Latin, English and history here and in Mecklenburg County.
She also has been an unwavering force behind the Republican Party in Portsmouth since she first became involved in 1968, drawn to the congressional campaign of G. William Whitehurst.
Johnson's support for the party went beyond working on campaigns. In 1972, she was chosen to be a delegate to the Virginia Federation of Republican Women and was president of the Portsmouth Republican Woman's Club from 1973-77.
And in 1977 she was chosen chairwoman of the Portsmouth Republican Party, making her the first woman to head a major political party in Portsmouth.
At one point, she served - all at the same time - as president of the Portsmouth Republican Woman's Club, chairwoman of the Portsmouth Republican Party, secretary of the 4th District Republican Party and the second vice president of the Virginia Federation of Republican Women.
``I was always Republican,'' Johnson says. ``I've always voted Republican. I like the conservative views of the party.''
She is still active in the party, both as chairwoman of the federation advisory council and as a member of the Republican Woman's Club, which celebrates its 25th anniversary today from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Coleman Room at Coleman Nursery.
Johnson also will serve as a delegate to the state GOP convention April 25-27 in Richmond.
Name: Lois Westbrook Johnson
Neighborhood: Having been born and raised in ``Olde Towne,'' I think of myself as an ``Olde Towne'' girl.
Number of years in Portsmouth: 88
Birthplace: Portsmouth
Birthdate: Oct. 15, 1907
Occupation: Retired teacher
What job other than your own would you like? Cannot think of any occupation more rewarding than teaching.
Marital status: Widow
Children/grandchildren: A son, Allison, and his wife, Angela Johnson, and a daughter, Lillie Jo, and her husband, John Pritchard. Two grandsons: Westbrook Johnson, 21, and Holton Johnson, 18. A granddaughter, Aimee Patrick, and a great-granddaughter, Morgan Patrick.
Fondest childhood memory: Summer evenings, the family sitting on the front porch playing ``I see something you don't see.''
What song or book title best describes your life? ``Oh, What a Wonderful Day!''
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Can't think of anyone I'd rather be.
Biggest accomplishment: Raising two wonderful children.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? A little taller. Never could reach much - now with the shrinking age, I can't reach anything!
Perfect way to spend the day: Curled up with a good book.
I can't resist: Chocolate
Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: Amory's
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: Lack of strong, effective leadership!
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be? Cooperation of its citizens.
Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth? It's home; the people and the smell of saltwater. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Lois Johnson - faithful supporter of the Republican Party.
by CNB