Linda Baten Johnson
Gorda was a sweet person who always brought a practical perspective to every occasion. She and Raymond married when I was young, so she was a part of my life from almost as long as I can remember. My first memory of Gorda is a long drive with her and Mama from Pampa/White Deer to El Paso to see Raymond who was in military training. She drove all the way there and back as Mama didn't drive, and I remember her drinking lots of coffee from a thermos. Raymond had limited time off, so it was a LONG trip for a short visit. She invited Mama, Guyda and me to Mexico where we had a wonderful time. We painted each other's fingernails and toenails, walked to a restaurant, thinking it was very close, then hailed a cab when we were tired. He drove us one block! We gave up too early. It was on that trip that Guyda, Gorda, and I went parasailing. What an exhilarating experience for all of us. Mama was very disappointed they would not allow her to go. We also sat on the beach and had long conversations. I will miss her. Linda Baten Johnson