Behind many well-known figures, there’s often a partner whose support and love are the true foundation of their success. For the legendary baseball player and broadcaster Ernie Johnson Sr., that person was his wife, Lois Denhard. While many fans of the game recognize Ernie’s name, the story of the woman who stood by his side for over half a century is equally compelling. Her life was marked by quiet grace, unwavering dedication, and a deep love that shaped a family and left a lasting impression on everyone she knew.
This article pays tribute to the life of Lois Denhard, exploring her journey from her early days in Chicago to her role as the matriarch of a beloved sports family. We’ll look at the story of her enduring love with Ernie, her deep-seated faith, and the incredible legacy she passed on to her children. It’s a story about a woman whose influence was felt far beyond the public eye.
Lois Denhard: A Chicago Beginning
Lois Denhard was born on March 28, 1931, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. Her childhood unfolded during a defining period in American history, shaped by the Great Depression and World War II. As the daughter of Oscar and Irene Denhard, she grew up with a strong sense of family and Midwestern values like hard work and humility—principles that would become a cornerstone of her life.
She was a private person who preferred a life away from the spotlight, so details about her early years are not widely known. However, it was in Chicago that she developed the quiet strength and gentle character that would define her. Before she became part of a famous baseball family, she was a kind-hearted young woman whose warmth would soon capture the attention of an up-and-coming athlete.
A Fateful Meeting and a Baseball Romance
Lois Denhard was born on March 28, 1931, in the colorful city of Chicago, Illinois. She was growing up in a historical era in American history due to the great depression and World War II. Being a daughter of Oscar and Irene Denhard, she was raised with a feeling of family and Midwestern morals such as hard work and humility, which they were very strong and would be one of the keystones of her life.
She was an introverted individual who did not want to be in the limelight; therefore, the information about her childhood years is not popular. It was here, however, in Chicago that she attained that silent power and soft nature which was to characterize her. She was a young woman of a kind heart before she joined a well-known baseball family, and her hospitality was to win over an up-and-coming player.
Building a Life and a Family
On October 24, 1953, Lois Denhard and Ernie Johnson Sr. got married and began the partnership which ended at the death of Ernie in 2011, a period of almost 58 years. They had started a family very soon, and their children were three in number, that is, three sons, Ernie Jr. and Don, and a daughter, Dawn. Lois loved her motherhood and housewife duties and made the house a stable and caregiving environment to her children. This was particularly critical considering the fact that a professional athlete had a short-lived life.
In spite of their father’s increasing popularity, the Johnson family was a home full of love, laughter, and a sense of normality. Lois was the anchor and she had her children brought up well. She was running the home front, assisted her children in their activities, and gave them emotional stability, which enabled Ernie to pursue his career. The family was at the center of the life Lois Denhard created, and her foundation enabled her children to thrive.
The Unsung Hero Behind the Hall of Famer
Behind all athletes who are great in what they do is usually a partner who makes incredible sacrifices. Lois Denhard was Ernie Johnson Sr.’s unquestioning support system. She remained his source of strength throughout his nine years of playing, his decades of service as a beloved broadcaster to the Atlanta Braves. She was a homemaker on the long road journeys, and she could handle the demands of public life with grace that she providing a reassuring touch with the ups and downs.
She did not want to be recognized in her role. Rather, she was satisfied by building a loving home where her husband could realize his dreams. Ernie used to say that he could not have been as successful without the stability and the love that Lois gave him. She was his innocence and his greatest supporter. The silent power of Lois Denhard was the unsung secret of his attained legend.
A Life Guided by Faith and Community
Faith was a guiding light in the life of Lois Denhard. She and Ernie were devout Christians, and their beliefs shaped every aspect of their lives, from raising their children to navigating the world of professional sports. They were active members of their local church, where Lois was known for her gentle spirit and kindness. Her faith wasn’t something she advertised; it was something she lived out through her actions and compassion.
This deep faith provided a moral compass for the entire Johnson family, instilling in her children the values of humility, service, and gratitude. Lois’s involvement in her community was an extension of this belief. She contributed to church activities and charitable causes quietly, without any need for praise. Her life was a beautiful example of living a faith-filled existence with grace.
Enjoying Life’s Simple Pleasures in Retirement
After Ernie Johnson Sr. retired from broadcasting, he and Lois Denhard settled into a quieter life in Braselton, Georgia. These years were a time to enjoy the beautiful family they had built. They cherished the opportunity to spend more time with their children and grandchildren, creating countless happy memories. Their home became a warm and welcoming hub for family gatherings.
During their retirement, Lois continued to be the heart of the family. She found joy in the simple things: tending to her garden, reading, and simply enjoying peaceful moments with Ernie. These years were a lovely culmination of their journey together, a time to reflect on a life well-lived. The partnership between Lois Denhard and her husband remained a testament to enduring love.
A Legacy That Lives On Through Her Children
Perhaps the most powerful legacy of Lois Denhard is seen in the character of her children, especially her son, Ernie Johnson Jr. As the host of TNT’s Inside the NBA, Ernie Jr. has often spoken about the profound impact his parents had on him. He credits his mother for teaching him compassion, humility, and the importance of faith. The grace with which Ernie Jr. has handled his own public struggles is a direct reflection of the values his mother instilled.
Lois taught her children the importance of family, kindness, and staying true to their beliefs. Her quiet strength lives on in the way her children and grandchildren lead their lives. The close-knit, loving family she nurtured is her greatest achievement.
Tributes to a Life of Grace
Lois Denhard passed away on January 17, 2022, at the age of 90. Tributes from family, friends, and the community poured in, all remembering her as a woman of immense grace, a loving matriarch, and a pillar of quiet strength. Her son, Ernie Jr., shared a touching tribute, describing her as the “sweetest, most loving, and selfless person” he had ever known. Those who knew her consistently highlighted her unwavering faith and her absolute dedication to her family.
Conclusion
In a world that often measures worth by fame and fortune, the life of Lois Denhard is a beautiful reminder of the power of quiet dignity and simple virtues. She never sought the spotlight, finding her purpose and joy in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of faith. Her life was defined by love, service, and an unbreakable commitment to her family, and her story continues to be an inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lois Denhard?
Lois was the wife of former MLB player and longtime Atlanta Braves broadcaster Ernie Johnson Sr. She was also the mother of Inside the NBA host Ernie Johnson Jr. and the matriarch of the Johnson family.
How did Lois meet Ernie Johnson Sr.?
They met in the early 1950s in Chicago while Ernie was on a road trip with his team, the Milwaukee Braves. They were introduced by a mutual friend and quickly fell in love.
How many children did Lois have?
Lois and Ernie Johnson Sr. had three children together: two sons, Ernie Jr. and Don, and a daughter named Dawn.
What was Lois’s role in her husband’s career?
She was the quiet, supportive backbone of Ernie Johnson Sr.’s career, managing their home and family, which allowed him to focus on his demanding job as a professional athlete and broadcaster.
When did Lois pass away?
Lois passed away on January 17, 2022, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and family.
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