Whenever I think of my Aunt Deloris Byer Johnson, I can’t help but picture her smiling face. Aunt Dee was the creative spirit in my mother’s family, always finding ways to make life more fun. If she was around, her siblings knew things were about to get wild. She might see if a couple of kids could “fly” like the wind with a big trench coat or decide it was time for everyone to learn a new dance. With Aunt Dee, there was never a dull moment.
Aunt Dee was always filled with anticipation about the next step in life…even if it was just the next day. She always expected something amazing to happen, and if it didn’t, she figured out a way to make something happen. Aunt Dee wasn’t a troublemaker, just an excited kid, who made things happen in her life…fun things, and the beneficiaries of her playful spirit…often her siblings, reaped the rewards of her excitement. My mom, Collene Byer Spencer, used to tell me about all the fun things the kids did with her sister’s help. They were memories of her sister, that my mom treasured all her life. Mom and Aunt Dee were always close. They shared a zest for life that somehow kept them young at heart. Their sweet, sisterly relationship was a joy to watch. I saw a lot of commonalities in Aunt Dee’s and my mom’s personalities. They both had a flair for finding the silly side of life. I don’t suppose that’s a trait most people would find endearing, but I did, and it’s a memory I will always cherish.
When Aunt Dee got sick, I thought the joy might have faded, and maybe it did over time, but in those early days of her illness, that sweet smile never left her face. Every time I saw her, it felt like she was trying to cheer everyone else up. After she passed, the world seemed a little duller without her sweet spirit. She had always been such a big part of my life, and I knew I would miss her deeply. But I hold onto the knowledge that I will see her again in Heaven, and I look forward to that day. Today would have been Aunt Deloris’ 95th birthday. Happy birthday in Heaven Aunt Dee. We all love and miss you very much.
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