'Good morning Grandma': NC woman, 85, texts 42 people every single day

The 85-year-old retired nurse moved from Durham to Person County six years ago to be close to her daughter and son-in-law once her husband, Ronald, developed Parkinson's disease. He died three years ago.

Johnson met her husband in Georgetown, Ky., where he graduated from college in 1961. She said they went to the same schools their entire lives and started dating at the age of 16. They were married for 63 years.

Johnson has five children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She said she has been texting them every single morning since she got an iPhone.

She also texts her old neighbors from Durham and Roxboro and friends in Georgetown she has known for more than 50 years.

"Some friends found me after 50 years on Facebook, and I enjoy keeping up with nieces and nephews I babysat when I was a teenager who are in their late 60s and 70s now," she said. "We exchange photos and talk.. I am their only aunt."

Johnson and her husband moved to North Carolina in 1966. After receiving her degree, Johnson worked as a licensed practical nurse at Watts Hospital, the first hospital in Durham, and Durham Regional Hospital for 35 years. She retired at 66.

Johnson stopped driving two years ago, but she stays busy. Her daughter walks to visit her daily, and she stays in touch with her other adult children by phone. Luckily, all her grandkids live in N.C., so she sees them when she can.

Johnson said she reads a book from the library every two days and enjoys taking care of her flowers.

She takes the bus to doctor's appointments, the hair salon and anywhere else she needs to go. She said it only costs $2 each way.

Being social is what keeps her active. Apart from texting loved ones, her favorite thing is outings with family and friends.

"If anyone invites me to go somewhere I say 'what time,'" she said. "I am content at this stage in my life."

Johnson said she was once active on Facebook, but she got tired of all the negativity. That's when she started texting.

"Facebook started out fun, seeing pictures of everyone, then it started being ugly," she said. "Everyone has their own opinion, which is fine, but getting mad because of different opinions is stupid. [With texting], I can keep in touch with family and friends I like everywhere in the U.S. That makes me happy."

Her advice for older adults who have lost a loved one? Surround yourself with people.

"When someone invites you, go! Stay in touch with family and friends and you won't be lonely," she said.