JUDY WOODRUFF: As the U.S.
approaches another coronavirus
milestone, we look back at the
lives of a few of the almost
125,000 Americans who have
died because of the pandemic.
Ninety-two-year-old Theodore
Gaffney was a researcher and
documentarian who brought great
curiosity to his work. After
serving in the U.S. Army
following World War II, Theodore
studied photography under the
G.I. Bill. The Washington, D.C.,
native was one of the first
African-Americans to photograph
inside of the White House.
In 1961, he documented the
Freedom Riders as they traveled
through the South to fight
segregation. Theodore later
moved to Brazil to study the
African diaspora. It was there
that he met his wife, Maria.
Jess Begay Sr. of the Navajo
Nation was a long-haul trucker
who transported everything
from explosives to milk. He
taught others how to drive
commercially, including his own
daughter, Leslyn. She said her
dad was humble and always open
to learning more. He still
referred to himself as a rookie,
even as a 25-year veteran
in the trucking industry.
His family described Jess
as dedicated, prayerful, and
loving. He was 73 years old.
Mary Wilson had a way with
animals. She was 23 when she
started working at the Maryland
Zoo, and went on to become
the first black woman to be
promoted to senior zookeeper.
Mary was a mother figure
to many, including an
orphan gorilla named
Sylvia. Mary continued
to visit Sylvia even after
she left the Maryland Zoo.
Sylvia always remembered her.
Mary's dedication to her work
inspired her daughter Sharron
to become a zookeeper too.
Mary was 83.
Dr. Thomas Nyambane
was a lifelong educator
and student. Passionate
about learning, Thomas
earned advanced degrees in
education well into his fifties.
He taught English classes
in Kenya, where he was born.
After immigrating to the U.S. in
1985, he taught at a Minnesota
technical college. Thomas
was a generous and devoted
father and grandfather.
At his church, he was known as a
leader within the congregation.
Thomas was 69 years old.
Maurice Dotson's family said
he always put others first.
When Maurice was 17, he would
often accompany his mom
to her job at a nursing
home, and it was there
that Maurice discovered
that he, too, loved helping
others. Maurice went on to
work as a nursing assistant for
the elderly in Austin,
Texas, for 25 years.
His younger sisters said
he was a father figure
to them; protective and
giving. Maurice was 51.
And, as always, our hearts go
out to all those who've lost
loved ones in this pandemic.