Another of the greatest generation has left us. Theresa Pearl Johnson Dyer has “slipped the surly bonds of Earth and touched the face of God.”
Theresa Pearl Johnson was born in Capps, Texas, on September 15, 1923, to Ollie Gertrude Baker and Lee Marvin Johnson. Theresa was the middle of seven children. She was 99 years old at her passing and was predeceased by her parents and all her siblings, Jesse, Roy, Jewell, Foy, Robert and J.E.
Her father was a carpenter by trade and her mother was a homemaker with seven hungry children to feed. There was always plenty to eat, even if it was only beans and homemade bread. She fed every hungry person who came to the door since the depression was on. This was a tradition Theresa held dear and continued herself. She fed and helped anyone who asked.
Theresa was valedictorian of her graduating class but missed the ceremony due to a case of the mumps. At 5’ 0” she was also a forward on the Pettus High School girls’ basketball team. In addition, she was senior class historian. She was baptized into Christ at age 16 and had a lovely alto voice.
The family moved quite a few times and Theresa never felt at home anywhere until she moved to Boerne.
During the war she married Lloyd Noel Dyer, also from Pettus, and they moved to Ft. Worth, CarswellAFB for Lloyd to teach radio to soldiers and airmen. Lloyd was unable to serve due to an accident earlier in life that left him without a trigger finger.
After the war Lloyd became a coach and they moved several times before landing in Boerne in 1949 when Theresa said, “I’m staying put!” and stay put she did until her death on December 31, 2022.
In 1953, their only child, Suzanne, was born in Doctor Diamond’s Hospital next door to the bakery in Boerne. Theresa was a wonderful room mother to Suzanne’s first grade class.
Theresa worked for a time at Surrey Village Dress Shop helping the women of Boerne look their best. When Suzanne was in second grade, Theresa went to work for a local attorney, Gordon L. Hollon. She remained in his employ for the next 40 years. She fancied herself as “Della Street,” and later as “Erin Brockovich,” always looking out for the little guy.
As time went by, Theresa launched out on her own and began life over as a single mother. She did a great job despite many obstacles presented to single moms during the 1960s. She was a pioneer.
Theresa was a charter member of the Boerne Church of Christ and helped provide food for funerals and potlucks. She was famous for her amazing deviled eggs and her Christmas pecan brittle.
She loved poetry, music, shopping and traveling. She went on many adventures all over the world.
Theresa is survived by her loving family, daughter, Suzanne Dyer (Duane) Mock, of Kerrville, granddaughter Michelle Mock (Katy Hay), of Austin, granddaughter Rebekah (Cody) Dunks, of Kerrville and great grandchildren Peyton and Wesley Dunks, of Kerrville and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Riverview Care Center in Boerne for the wonderful, compassionate care they extended to Theresa in her final years.
Visitation was held at Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home, 1295 North Main, Boerne, Texas, Thursday, January 4, from 5 – 7 pm. Graveside services was conducted at the Boerne Cemetery, Friday, January 5, 2023, 2:00pm. Theresa requested no sad funeral songs to be sung for her. Her favorite colors were pink and purple. Guests are encouraged to wear those colors.
Charitable contributions may be made to Medina Children’s Home (Arms of Hope), 21300 State Highway 16 North, Medina, Texas, 78055.
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