October 1, 2020
Here at CNRC, we think our residents are pretty special. When choosing to write a blog, the first idea to pop into my mind, was to do a weekly introduction of some of our amazing seniors. A particular lady stood out for me. She tells stories, and you feel like you are right there with her in her memories. It’s my privilege to introduce Juanita “Johnnie” Hobbs.
Juanita was born in Alexander County on May 18th, 1930 to Mr. Swan and Elsie Blankenship. She grew up on a 100 acre farm, where they grew wheat, corn and many other vegetables for the family. She had fond memories of all the animals she helped take care of on the homestead.
Juanita would help her mother bake bread for the week and help her sew clothes as well. She loved milking the cows, and then churning the milk it into butter. Her favorites animals were the cows and mules, and the barn cats that loved to lap up their share of fresh milk. She enjoyed riding the horses on the farm and spoiling them with sugar cubes and other treats. Her beloved memories from this time were the big bands coming to play, and how the whole town would gather together to enjoy the music and dance the night away, Juanita’s love for music came from her father who played the banjo. She learned how to play the piano as a child, and her preferred game to play was hopscotch. She remembers going to the movies and watching her favorite actors on screen, Cary Grant and Fred Astaire. One of her fondest memories is coming home from school to warm cake her mother had baked.
Juanita completed Taylorsville High School and decided to further herself by attending Lenoir Rhyne College. She received a business degree and went on to be an executive secretary in Hickory. It was at LR that she met the love of her life in math class. Albert “A.M.” Hobbs was a Veteran of World War II and enrolled in LR after the war. Professor Dodson thought they were a match and introduced them. They were married for 56 years. She left the workforce after the birth of their only child, Anita. She has one grandchild, Grayson. Juanita was a member of Friendship Lutheran Church growing up and then joined A.M.’s church, Abernethy Memorial United Methodist, after they were married. One fond memory she has is going to baseball games as an adult, and pulling for the hometown boys. She was a dedicated band booster parent and active in her church. She enjoyed going on family trips along with her sister and brother-in-law, with whom she had a very close relationship
l asked Juanita if she had any advice for the younger generation. She said she would like our kids of today to remember to be kind to each other, because life is not always peaches and cream in the world. She also stated that staying in school and receiving an education is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. I asked her if she could change one thing what would that be. Her answer was “I did about as good as I could. Life is what you make it.”
Candid words from a great woman!
