Johanna Ray Williams

Johanna was born October 3, 1936 to John Ray Dalton and Inez Strickland Dalton in San Antonio, Texas, where she lived all of her life. Johanna attended Alamo Heights elementary, middle, and high schools. Graduating in 1954, she was Valedictorian of her class. She attended Abilene Christian College for one year, but returned to San Antonio to be closer to Paul Williams, whom she had met just after graduating high school. Johanna earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Trinity University and taught at Howard Elementary School in Alamo Heights for many years.

Johanna married Paul Eugene Williams in 1957 and they were married for 52 years when Paul passed away in 2009. They had two children, Pamela Louise and Bradley Paul. Johanna was able to devote her time to raising her children and being an incredible support to them in all their activities. Johanna (fondly called Jody by Paul, and many others) made amazing contributions while working with the PTA of her children’s schools, being team mom to their soccer teams, and attending every one of their events. Paul and Jody were very active in youth soccer, helping to establish North East Youth Soccer Organization. Jody was also a member of the CPA auxiliary, was very involved in her Alamo Heights High School reunion committee, and a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. She was a member of Sunset Ridge Church of Christ for many years, as well as San Pedro, Northside, and Oak Hills Church of Christ.

As her children moved on to college and adulthood, Jody joined the San Antonio Conservation Society in 1988. She volunteered her time and energy towards the mission of historic preservation of San Antonio’s important structures. She loved the work and the friends that she met in this endeavor. Jody held many offices over the years including First Vice President, Second Vice President, Chaplain, Historian, and her favorite- Chair of the Community Grants Committee. Jody attended the National Trust for Historic Preservation many times and was able to lobby in Washington DC for funding of historic preservation. During these years, Jody returned to college at UTSA for “fun” and earned another bachelor’s degree- this time in Texas History.

As she welcomed grandchildren Hayley, Hannah, Ethan, and Carter, Jody played caregiver, teacher, cheerleader, dance partner, sports fan, support system, and fashion adviser. Jody loved her grandchildren and devoted herself to them. She was thrilled to be able to enjoy her great grandson Paul (namesake of her husband) for 3 ½ years. Jody shared a sweet special bond with him that, even in her most severe illness, shone through. She was excited for the upcoming birth of a second great grandson this coming June.

Jody was preceded in death by her husband Paul Eugene Williams, her father John Ray Dalton, her mother Inez Dalton, her sister Daphne Garrett, and her son Bradley Paul Williams. She is survived by her daughter Pamela Galindo (Raul), daughter-in-law Noelle Williams, granddaughters Hayley Wilhelm (Zachary) and Hannah Galindo-Davila (Jacob). She is also survived by grandsons Ethan Williams (Jacquelyn) and Carter Williams, and great-grandson Paul Wilhelm. Jody is survived by several nieces, nephews, a brother-in law and sisters-in-law.

The family wishes to thank devoted caregiver Angie Alvarez Smith for her loving care of Jody. Sincere thanks also to Dr. Thomas Mieras, Dr. Steven Kalter, and Dr. Steven Davis for years of expertise and guidance.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday March 19, 2024 at Porter Loring Mortuary on McCullough. There will be a private family burial after services, to be held at Mission Burial Park North, John Harp will officiate.

FUNERAL SERVICETUESDAY, MARCH 19, 202412:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY- MCCULLOUGH

If so desired, memorial contributions can be made to: The Conservation Society of San Antonio, the American Cancer Society, and Brain Injury Association of America