"Modesty seldom resides in a breast that is not enriched with nobler virtues."
I had the pleasure, a few day ago, of interviewing Mrs. Margaret L. Terry, teacher of the fifth grade in Jefferson school. The interesting and singular part about it all is that the sincere modesty which prompted this article was prevalent throughout our discussion. She tried to turn away, saying she had done nothing worthy of writing about and despite my coaxing, I knew at the offset, than you already knew, yet this made the penning of this tribute all the more interesting.
Her career began in about 1878 in Ivy Depot, Va., in a little one room school with almost no pay. I was not there, yet some how I know that the same encouraging smile, and kindly nature was even prevalent. She is one of whom it can be truly said, to know her is to love her. Builders erect great mansions, they decay; bankers amass great wealth, it rolls away with time; she inspired the child, who is father of the man, and that inspiration has been like bread cast upon the water. Those patterns that she has turned from her loom are numerous as the sands on yon glistening shore. Fifty-five years of service to mankind, of unselfish, sacrificing service would require praise that must needs reach to the sky, could it be placed block upon block.
In 1901, she began as instructess in the Jefferson School, this city, and has been stationed there ever since. It is an inspiration to know her. She is ever gentle and kind. For everyone she has a ready smile, not manufactured or tried, and tested, just a sincere message from a sincere heart. So with this thought in mind, I wish to pay tribute with pride, because she is of our city, and with love and respect because she is all that is gentle, kind and tender, and because she has devoted, unselfishly, her entire life to service.