Lucy Elrod Nierman was born May 25, 1931, in Little Rock, AR, and passed away peacefully on June 1, 2020, in Dallas, TX. Mom was affectionately given the nickname “Big Red” by our dad because she was the ultimate redhead with the fiery personality to match. Family, friends, and neighbors were always welcome and share memories of backyard Oktoberfests, 4th of July parties and Christmas parties featuring her lethal bourbon punch. She made every holiday and occasion an event.
The best gift Mom gave us was the joy of reading. Our home was filled with books, newspapers, and magazines, and from the time we were youngsters, a weekly trip to the public library was part of our lives. She also instilled in us a love of music, and her Burt Bacharach and Sergio Mendez albums were the soundtrack of our lives. Mom was our cheerleader, and, with our dad, attended every school event for all four of us. She loved animals and never turned away the numerous stray dogs and cats we brought home. Under her watch, we would play for hours outside on the swing set, slide and jungle gym in our Casa View backyard.
She and our dad, Jack, were charter members of Hope Lutheran Church in Dallas and Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Rowlett. Mom was active in the altar guild and women’s clubs and developed deep friendships there. In January 1994, she retired from the U.S. Department of Education, where she worked as a bank examiner. Her retirement days were filled with book club meetings, the White Rock Newcomers Club, canasta games, daily trips to Starbucks (where everybody knew her name), and movies and plays with friends.
Lucy was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, John H. “Jack” Nierman and son, Paul Niermann. She is survived by her son, John F. Nierman and wife Dealva of Point, TX; daughter, Sandi Erspamer and husband John of Dallas, TX; daughter, Linda Sandhoff and husband Gary of Rowlett, TX; grandchildren: Crystal Chandler and husband Andrew, Jack Erspamer and Lucy Erspamer; great-granddaughter, Autumn Chandler; and longtime friends Benita Martin and Julie Williams.
We also would like to thank the staff of The Tradition Lovers Lane and All Star Hospice for their faithful care and attention, especially during the last few weeks when Covid-19 kept us isolated from our Mom. She will be deeply missed but will live in our hearts forever.
Private graveside services will be at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
