Every great family story has an anchor, a person whose quiet strength, unwavering love, and steady spirit keep everything grounded through life’s dynamic twists and turns. For the famous Johnson sports family, that foundational anchor was Lois Denhard. Known affectionately to those closest to her as “Lolo,” Lois Marjorie “Lolo” Denhard Johnson lived a remarkably full life spanning ninety-four years. Born on June 10, 1928, and passing away on January 17, 2023, she spent nearly a century embodying resilience, grace, and devotion.
While major league baseball broadcasts and sports journalism highlighted her family members, Lois Denhard remained the true heart of the home. She was the devoted wife of Major League Baseball pitcher and longtime Atlanta Braves broadcaster Ernie Johnson Sr., as well as the cherished mother of Emmy Award-winning TNT host Ernie Johnson Jr. Her impact extended far beyond the realm of professional sports, touching everyone who experienced her welcoming charm.
Understanding the life of Lois Denhard means exploring a story defined by deep marital devotion, family stability amidst a chaotic athletic life, individual professional ventures, and profound personal courage. From her early days in the Midwest and Vermont to her later years in Georgia, Lois Denhard lived with passion, musicality, and warmth. This comprehensive biography examines the enduring legacy of a remarkable woman who built a lasting legacy of love.
| Full Name | Lois Marjorie Denhard Johnson |
| Known As / Nickname | Lois Denhard, “Lolo” |
| Date of Birth | June 10, 1928 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Date of Death | January 17, 2023 (Aged 94) |
| Place of Burial | Green Lawn Cemetery, Roswell, Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Brattleboro High School (Vermont) |
| Profession / Career | Homemaker, Tour Guide (Tour Gals of Atlanta) |
| Marital Status | Married (63 years) |
| Spouse | Ernie Johnson Sr. (m. 1947–2011) |
| Children | Dawn, Chris, and Ernie Johnson Jr. |
| Grandchildren | 7 (including Rebecca, Eric, Maggie, Carmen, Allison, Ashley) |
| Great-Grandchildren | 4 (Katie, Amy, Everett, Bennett) |
| Notable Relatives | Ernie Johnson Sr. (MLB Pitcher & Atlanta Braves Broadcaster) Ernie Johnson Jr. (TNT Inside the NBA Host) |
| Health & Life Milestones | 2-time Cancer Survivor, Accomplished Pianist |
Early Life and Roots: From Chicago to Brattleboro
The story of Lois Denhard began in the city of Chicago, Illinois, where she was born on June 10, 1928. Growing up during a dynamic era in American history, she absorbed the vibrant energy of the Midwest during her early childhood years. However, her life’s trajectory shifted when her family relocated to the small, scenic city of Brattleboro, Vermont. It was in this picturesque New England town that Lois Denhard spent her formative teenage years, developing the character and values that would define her entire adult life.
During her time at Brattleboro High School, Lois Denhard was an active and popular student. Her vibrant personality and athletic spirit led her to become a varsity cheerleader, a role that perfectly suited her naturally energetic and encouraging demeanor. The tight-knit community of Brattleboro provided a peaceful backdrop for her youth, instilling in her a appreciation for close personal relationships and community ties.
Little did the young cheerleader know that her high school years in Vermont would also set the stage for a romance lasting over six decades. It was in Brattleboro that her path crossed with a young military veteran and budding athlete, altering the course of her life forever and beginning a new chapter defined by sports, travel, and deep partnership.
High School Romance: Meeting Ernie Johnson Sr.
In 1946, following the conclusion of World War II, a young Marine Corps veteran named Ernest Thorwald Johnson returned home to Brattleboro, Vermont. While attending a high school basketball game that winter, his attention was immediately drawn to the sidelines, where Lois Denhard was performing as a cheerleader. Struck by her charisma and presence, he sought an introduction, sparking a courtship that would quickly bloom into a lifelong partnership.
An amusing anecdote from their initial meeting highlights the pragmatic, down-to-earth nature that Lois Denhard maintained throughout her life. When she first asked Ernie Johnson Sr. what he did for a living, he simply replied, “Play baseball.” Skeptical of sports as a full-time career, she famously responded, “No, really, what do you do for a living?” Even after seeing his first minor-league paycheck, her realistic perspective kept them both grounded.
Their connection proved undeniable, and after a year of dating, Lois Denhard married Ernie Johnson Sr. in 1947. This marked the beginning of a 63-year marriage built on mutual respect, humor, and shared commitment. Together, they embarked on an adventure through the world of professional baseball, facing both the uncertainties of minor-league travel and the bright lights of major-league stadiums.
Life on the Road: Navigating the Major League Baseball Era
The early years of marriage for Lois Denhard and her husband were characterized by constant relocation and uncertainty. As Ernie Johnson Sr. worked his way through the minor leagues—playing in cities like Hartford, Pawtucket, Denver, and Milwaukee—Lois Denhard adapted smoothly to the nomadic lifestyle required of a professional athlete’s spouse. She provided stability through endless road trips, trade rumors, and roster adjustments.
When Ernie Johnson Sr. earned a permanent spot as a pitcher for the Boston Braves (who later relocated to become the Milwaukee Braves), the family settled into the rhythm of Major League Baseball. The pinnacle of his playing career arrived in 1957, when the Milwaukee Braves won the World Series against the New York Yankees. Throughout these high-stakes seasons, Lois Denhard managed the household, raising their growing family while her husband spent extended periods traveling across the country.
Living the baseball life demanded significant personal sacrifice, a reality that Lois Denhard handled with good humor. For decades, a famous magnet displayed on her kitchen refrigerator summed up her perspective: “We interrupt this marriage to bring you the baseball season.” Her resilience ensured that despite the demands of professional sports, her home remained a calm sanctuary for her husband and children.
The Atlanta Transition: Building Roots in the South
Following his retirement as an active player, Ernie Johnson Sr. transitioned into the broadcasting booth, serving as the beloved voice of the Atlanta Braves for decades. This career change prompted a major family move in the mid-1960s from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, down to Atlanta, Georgia. Moving to the American South represented a new chapter for Lois Denhard, who embraced the warm climate and southern hospitality with enthusiasm.
Settling in the Atlanta suburban region, Lois Denhard established a permanent home base for her family. No longer subject to the seasonal moves of a playing career, she immersed herself in the local community, creating a warm, welcoming environment for neighbors, friends, and visiting sports figures. Her home became a central hub of activity, filled with music, home-cooked meals, and lively conversation.
The move to Atlanta also allowed the family to put down deep, lasting roots. As her children grew up in Georgia, Lois Denhard continued to be their primary cheerleader, attending countless school functions, ballgames, and local events. Her presence in the Atlanta community laid the foundation for generations of the Johnson family to thrive in the region.
Motherhood and Family Values: Raising Dawn, Chris, and Ernie Jr.
At the absolute center of life for Lois Denhard was her role as a mother. Together with her husband, she raised three children: daughters Dawn and Chris, and son Ernie Johnson Jr. Raising children while balancing the public profile of a professional sports family required a firm moral compass, a quality that Lois Denhard possessed in abundance.
She instilled in her children the core values of humility, integrity, faith, and empathy. Rather than letting fame or sports success define their self-worth, Lois Denhard taught her children that character and kindness were what mattered most. Her parenting style combined gentle nurturance with firm expectations, earning her the title of the family’s “moral compass.”
Her son, Ernie Johnson Jr., would go on to become one of the most respected broadcasters in American television, hosting TNT’s Inside the NBA. Throughout his celebrated career, Ernie Jr. has frequently credited Lois Denhard for shaping his worldview, teaching him the importance of unconditional love, and showing him how to treat others with respect.
Professional Endeavors: The “Tour Gals” Era in Atlanta
While Lois Denhard was fundamentally dedicated to her family, she was also an independent, enterprising woman with a desire to contribute to her community. In the 1970s, as her children grew older, she branched out into the business world by joining a venture known as the “Tour Gals.” This organization provided out-of-town visitors, corporate guests, and tourists with curated sightseeing opportunities throughout the historic city of Atlanta.
This role was a natural fit for Lois Denhard. Her welcoming spirit, deep knowledge of the area, and magnetic personality made her an ideal ambassador for the city. She delighted in sharing the history, culture, and charm of Atlanta with visitors from all over the world, bringing the same warmth to her job that she provided in her own living room.
Working with the Tour Gals allowed Lois Denhard to forge lasting friendships with fellow professional women in the Atlanta area. It showcased her capability beyond the domestic sphere, proving that she could balance family responsibilities with a successful external career while maintaining her signature grace and style.
Personal Courage: Twice Staring Down Cancer
Beyond her role as a loving matriarch and professional guide, Lois Denhard possessed an inner strength that was tested by severe health challenges. Over the course of her lifetime, she faced serious medical battles, including staring down cancer on two separate occasions. Each diagnosis tested her resolve, yet she approached treatment with determination, courage, and optimism.
Rather than allowing illness to dim her spirit, Lois Denhard emerged from these health battles even stronger and more grateful for the gift of life. Her survival and positive outlook served as a powerful example to her children, grandchildren, and friends, demonstrating how to face adversity with faith and fortitude.
Her victory over cancer deepened her appreciation for life’s everyday moments. In her later years, she viewed every bonus year as a blessing, filling her schedule with family gatherings, musical performances, and active participation in the lives of her growing extended family.
The Musical Spirit: Bringing Joy Through the Piano
One of the most defining characteristics of Lois Denhard was her profound love for music. An accomplished pianist, she used her musical talents to bring joy, comfort, and entertainment to those around her throughout her entire life. The piano in the Johnson household was rarely quiet, serving as the gathering spot for holiday sing-alongs and casual family get-togethers.
Even into her final days at ninety-four years old, Lois Denhard continued to play the piano with grace and skill. Her ability to sit at the keys and entertain her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren remained sharp, offering a window into her creative and joyful soul.
Music was more than just a hobby for Lois Denhard; it was a form of communication and emotional expression. It reflected her vibrant internal energy and provided a background track to decades of family history, leaving memories that her descendants continue to treasure.
The Grandmother Era: Becoming “Lolo” to a New Generation
As the family expanded, Lois Denhard stepped into the role of grandmother and great-grandmother, earning the cherished nickname “Lolo.” She was blessed with seven grandchildren—including Rebecca, Eric, Maggie, Carmen, Allison, and Ashley—and four great-grandchildren, including Katie, Amy, Everett, and Bennett.
As “Lolo,” Lois Denhard showered the younger generations with affection, wisdom, and fun. She took an active interest in each child’s life, attending recitals, sporting events, and graduations. Her home remained open to all, featuring stored treats, musical entertainment, and unconditional support.
The bond she built with her grandchildren was exceptionally strong. She served not just as an elder figure, but as a confidante and friend whose sense of humor and modern outlook made her accessible to younger generations. Her nickname, Lolo, became synonymous with love, security, and joy across the entire family tree.
Loss and Resilience: The Passing of Ernie Johnson Sr.
In 2011, Lois Denhard faced one of the most difficult chapters of her life when her beloved husband, Ernie Johnson Sr., passed away at the age of eighty-seven. His death marked the end of a 63-year marriage that had begun as a high school romance in Vermont and evolved into a celebrated sports legacy. The loss of her lifelong partner was profound, leaving a void in the family structure.
Despite the grief of losing her husband, Lois Denhard demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Drawing upon her faith, her strong bond with her children, and her inner courage, she continued to lead the family as its undisputed matriarch. She preserved the memory of Ernie Sr. while remaining fully engaged in the lives of her descendants.
During this period, her son Ernie Johnson Jr. and her daughters remained close by her side, ensuring she was surrounded by care and support. Lois Denhard continued to reside in the Atlanta, Georgia area, remaining an avid consumer of sports television and a passionate supporter of her son’s broadcasting work.
Later Years: Staying Connected and “Ernie Johnson Day”
In her final decade, Lois Denhard lived with remarkable vitality. Even as a nonagenarian living outside Atlanta, she stayed sharp, connected, and deeply involved in current events. She was an avid viewer of TNT’s Inside the NBA, watching her son Ernie Jr. broadcast late into the night and often calling him after shows to offer her feedback and commentary.
A memorable moment showcasing her spirit occurred in May 2019, during the NBA Eastern Conference Finals in Milwaukee. When the City of Milwaukee proclaimed an official “Ernie Johnson Day” to honor her son, Ernie Jr. called his mother live from a neighborhood block party to share the moment with her. Reconnecting with old neighbors from her Milwaukee days brought immense joy to the 90-year-old matriarch.
Her ability to remain enthusiastic, technology-savvy, and emotionally connected to her friends and family kept her young at heart. Lois Denhard showed that aging could be met with enthusiasm, wit, and continued purpose.
Final Farewell: The Passing and Memorial of Lois Denhard
On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Lois Denhard passed away peacefully at the age of 94, surrounded by the love of her family. Her passing marked the end of an era for the Johnson family, but her legacy was celebrated with gratitude for a long life well-lived.
A solemn funeral Mass was held on Monday, January 23, 2023, at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Cumming, Georgia. Friends, family members, and community members gathered to pay their respects, share memories, and honor her life. Following the mass, a reception provided an opportunity for loved ones to celebrate her humor, her music, and her lasting impact.
Lois Denhard was laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Ernie Johnson Sr., at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell, Georgia. Reunited after twelve years apart, their resting place stands as a monument to a lifetime of love and commitment.
The Enduring Impact of “Lolo” Denhard Johnson
The influence of Lois Denhard extends far beyond her immediate dates of birth and passing. As the matriarch of a family that has touched millions through sports and television, her values of empathy, faith, and humility continue to radiate through her children and grandchildren.
Her son, Ernie Johnson Jr., frequently exhibits the same warmth, humor, and grace on national television that Lois Denhard cultivated in their home. Her resilience in the face of hardship—whether managing a household during baseball road trips or conquering cancer—serves as an ongoing inspiration to all who knew her.
Ultimately, Lois Denhard proved that a life of magnitude is built through daily acts of love, steady devotion, and kindness. Her life story remains an inspiring example of how one individual’s unwavering strength can uplift an entire family across generations.
Conclusion:
In reflecting on the life of Lois Denhard, one is reminded that true greatness is often measured by the depth of one’s relationships and the love left behind. From her roots as a high school cheerleader in Vermont to her decade-spanning role as the matriarch of a major sports family, she approached every challenge with dignity, strength, and good humor.
Her legacy lives on in her surviving family, including her children Chris and Ernie Jr., her son-in-law Jacky Cheek, her daughter-in-law Cheryl DeLuca-Johnson, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They carry forward her love of music, her generous spirit, and her unwavering faith.
While Lois Denhard may no longer sit at the piano keys in her home, the melody of her life continues to resonate. Her story stands as a testament to the power of family, the strength of womanhood, and the enduring grace of a life truly well-lived.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Lois Denhard?
Lois Denhard (June 10, 1928 – January 17, 2023), also known as Lois Marjorie “Lolo” Denhard Johnson, was the matriarch of the Johnson family. She was the wife of Major League Baseball player and broadcaster Ernie Johnson Sr. and the mother of Emmy Award-winning sports host Ernie Johnson Jr.
2. How did Lois Denhard meet her husband, Ernie Johnson Sr.?
Lois Denhard met Ernie Johnson Sr. in 1946 in Brattleboro, Vermont. Ernie, who had just returned from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, saw her cheerleading at a high school basketball game, and the two married a year later in 1947.
3. What were some of Lois Denhard’s personal achievements and interests?
In addition to raising her family, Lois Denhard worked in the 1970s with the “Tour Gals,” providing tour experiences for Atlanta visitors. She was also a double cancer survivor and a pianist who played for her family throughout her life.
4. How many children and grandchildren did Lois Denhard have?
Lois Denhard had three children: Dawn, Chris, and Ernie Jr. She was also blessed with seven grandchildren (including Rebecca, Eric, Maggie, Carmen, Allison, and Ashley) and four great-grandchildren (Katie, Amy, Everett, and Bennett).
5. Why was Lois Denhard called “Lolo”?
“Lolo” was a cherished family nickname given to Lois Denhard by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, representing her role as the affectionate matriarch of the family.
6. Where is Lois Denhard buried?
Lois Denhard was laid to rest at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell, Georgia, where she was buried beside her husband, Ernie Johnson Sr.
