Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers remembered for rescues 45 years later

Mother thanks life-saving rangers with 45 years of poinsettias

WBIR News
Author: Jim Matheny
December 12, 2019

Every December since 1974, Wanneta Johnson has sent a poinsettia to thank rangers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for saving her son's life.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — At Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) headquarters, employees may differ on how they pronounce poinsettia. But they all agree the large red flower in the lobby each December exemplifies a mother's perennial gratitude for the life-saving work of park rangers.

"The first week of December, every year we look forward to this beautiful poinsettia from Wanneta Johnson. This is 45 years in a row she has sent this to thank our rangers," said GSMNP spokesperson Dana Soehn. "We display this in our park headquarters [lobby] for everyone to enjoy and reflect on the efforts people make."

This year was only the second time Johnson did not drive from her home in the Tri-Cities to deliver the decorative plant in-person. Her mobility is limited now that she is 98 years old.
read it here