Mama (Tessa D. Johnson) passed away Saturday afternoon, April 17, 2010, at her home resting peacefully and secure without pain

She was born in St. Francis, Kansas, November 8, 1914, to George and Myrtle Dyer. World War I and the Great Depression came and went while the little girl with red curls and bright blue eyes earned her name of Morning Glory.

My grandmother, the first postmistress in Nebraska, had two more redheaded girls, Ethel and Georgia. All the girls were remarkable. The Dyer girls danced the May Pole, roller-skated holding on to tumbleweeds nearly twice their size propelled by the gusty winds. Morning Glory's small stature was no indication of her moral and tenacious strength.

The world changed during the 95 years and so did Tessa. She became a women… a beautiful lady who married John W. Johnson – her one and only love. They loved to dance and they danced through all their personal and worldly challenges and pitfalls of life.

I know my mother had a wonderful life – because she directed it with love, courage, compassion and determination. She was a true lady of her time.

Time pulled her away gently with grace and love. I will always be a part of her – body and soul.

Marilyn Johnson Radaz
(Tessa's only child)

Tessa's Family:
Husband, John W. Johnson (deceased)
Only Grandchild, Jay Radaz (deceased)
Son-in-law, Charlie Radaz
Sisters, Ethel Cross and Georgia Brown
Nephew, Gregg Brown and family
Taylor Sisterhood, Nieces: Sharon, Lynn, Kelly, Janny, Carol and Leslie

Donations in her memory may be made to the Lompoc First United Methodist Church Foundation, 925 North F Street, Lompoc, CA 93436.

A Memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Lompoc 925 North F Street at 2 pm on Wednesday, April 28, 2010.