Editor’s note: The writer is referring to a story in Sunday’s paper, “A lifetime of education done right: Clara Turrentine looks back fondly.”

I adored Mrs. Turrentine. She was kind, loving and always willing to listen and explain if you didn’t understand. She not only taught me how to read, she gave me tools to become a lifelong learner.

When Alaska and Hawaii became states, we talked about how our country would look on the map and that the number of the stars in our flag would change from 48 to 50. Some of the songs she taught us, I still sing to my grandchildren, like “Once There Was a Choo Choo.” Her kindness and gentle ways are vivid in my mind.

I became a primary teacher in the Randolph County Schools and never have forgotten my first-grade teacher back in 1959-1960 at Landis Elementary. Thank you, Mrs. Turrentine, for enriching so many lives.

Thank you, David Freeze, for writing this lovely tribute. I remember you, too, and forgive you for always getting me out in dodge ball.

— Lib Macaulay Ramsay

Clermont, Florida