Dorlis M. Johnson passed away October 17, 2018. She was born in Haileyville, Oklahoma, on October 13, 1926. She grew up in a one-room home with her 3 siblings and her father, Even Morgan. She was born Doralice Maime Morgan, but changed her name in her early twenties, which was a rare thing to do in the 1940’s. She was a strong, independent woman whose entire life reflected these characteristics.
She was the first in her family to go to college due to her drive and intellect. She turned the tragedy of a childhood accident, which cost her the sight in one eye, into a disability scholarship in order to accomplish this.
She met and married the love of her life, Junior Johnson, in Paris, Texas, through a mutual friend and they married on August 14, 1949. Junior’s Air Force career led them all over the world from Pyote, Texas, to Turkey, England, France, Nevada and back to Texas again. They had two children (Patrick Duane and Alice Ruth). When Junior got stationed in Turkey, she traveled by ship with an infant and a toddler to join him. While Junior served in Korea, she moved with the children to Michigan to be near his family.
They settled back in Schertz at the end of his career where she taught 2nd and 4th grade at Schertz Elementary for over 20 years. After her retirement, she was active in RACAP, Meals on Wheels, Schertz First Baptist Church adult Sunday school and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Schertz Volunteer Fire Department. She also traveled extensively in her retirement and especially enjoyed taking bus tours to different parts of the country.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, her son, father, her sister Mary and brothers Wiley and Jack.
Dorlis is survived by her dear friends Gracie Miller, Pam and Raymond Moreno, Ramon and Josephine Ramirez, Rene and Cindy Ramirez, Tim Pyle and Frank and Jay Carranza. She is also survived by her daughter Ruth, son-in-law Mike, granddaughter Alicia and her husband Andrew, and great grandson’s Kaleb and Isaac.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Schertz. Private graveside services and interment will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Friends and family wish to thank The Legacy at Forrest Ridge and Encompass Home Health & Hospice for the loving and professional care they provided Dorlis in her final months.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to RACAP or charity of your choice.
