Unaka – Local residents celebrated “Della Day” on Friday to honor a pillar of the community, Della Johnson, for her dedication and impact to Unaka and surrounding areas throughout her life.
The celebration was held from 10:30 a.m. to noon and featured opportunities for members of the community to socialize and give gifts to Della Johnson. There was a special introduction song by Robin Johnson and her granddaughter, Callie; a speech by Murphy Mayor Tim Radford; stories shared about Della; music by Dorothy Smith and Dave Hastings; and lunch brought by Chrystal Mimbs.
More than 50 members of surrounding communities “came together for a treasure – the gem of Unaka,” Unaka Community Development Club President Holly Willis said.
Johnson has been a lifetime member of Unaka. In 1994, she worked with Cherokee County government to establish the Unaka Community Center as a center to give seniors in the community a place to go for support and to socialize. Since then, she has helped the community grow and thrive for 31 years.
Kathy Farmer, head of the senior center, said, “Our meetings have grown from six to around 10 consistent members, and sometimes we see more.”
It was members of the senior center who worked together to set up the event.
“We’re a family,” they said.
After starting the senior center, Johnson went back to earn her GED, while teaching Sunday school at her church, and also completed a program related to nursing to continue to provide support to seniors. She loves gardening, and is always willing to share and always does what she can to help the community.
Many people expressed feeling welcomed by Johnson and the rest of Unaka when they moved to the area in recent years.
“Della really helped us all get through the COVID pandemic. It was a scary time for seniors, but she made sure we were all well and taken care of even when we couldn’t get together,” one member said. Johnson was described as a “special and precious friend” by many in the community.
Chrystal Mimbs brought lunch and shared just how important Johnson has been in her life. As a young girl, she remembered a house just above hers that she would often visit. These weren’t her grandparents, but every visit they gave her 50-cent pieces and $2 bills, which she still has to this day.
When she told Johnson about this during a visit
one day, Mimbs learned those were Della’s parents. She expressed how important it is, especially for young girls, to take care of and value their grandmothers and grandmother-like figures.
“Della is the sunshine in my day, and I don’t know what I’d do without her,” Mimbs said.
Johnson is thankful for her community and the support that it provides to members of all ages.
“We’re a family,” she said, enjoying her celebration. “Thank you, everyone, for coming out today. You’ve made me feel so special and loved.”
To which Radford added, “You’ve given out love, and that always comes around full circle.”
Details: Anyone who would like to donate a structure in the Ranger district for demolition or become a volunteer firefighter with the department can call Ranger Fire Chief Mike Taylor at 828-557-2185.