From Rob Kerby:

I went kindergarten thru 12th grade with Alana Lee Johnson -- except for the last half of fifth grade and all of sixth when half of us were sent to the new Robert S. Kerr Elementary. She stayed at East Central Elementary, which was renamed Walter Reed. My earliest memory of her is first or second grade. She was best buddies with Connie Center and their moms were Homeroom Mothers -- who brought in very cool goodies for class parties, which mostly consisted of us sitting at our desks consuming reindeer made out of marshmallows and pretzels ... or other such treats. At talent shows, Alana always tap-danced. In second or third grade, she did the Good Ship Lollypop in the auditorium/library. I think I recited "How to Remove Peanut Butter From the Roof of Your Mouth." She remained a faithful friend although we had little contact after graduation. At reunions, we always enjoyed each other's barbs. At the end, we traded frequent notes. She fought hard against cancer. I played pollyanna -- reminding her that she had never been a quitter. She was a unique friend.