Sandra Sue Tessmer's Obituary
Sandra Sue Tessmer, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, partner, educator and friend, passed away at the age of 82 after a series of health challenges on February 2, 2026. Sandra was born on February 19, 1943, and grew up in old East Dallas, a place that shaped her lifelong love of community, conversation, and connection.
Sandra is survived by her devoted partner of over 40 years, John Lambert Deford; her nephew, like a son, Charles Darren Avila; her cousins, Renata K. Searcy (William Senter Searcy), Boris “Tuffy” Mcright (Judy P Mcright); and many cherished friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.
Sandra was predeceased by her mother, Ebbiah Marie Tessmer, 49 (January 4, 1975); her father, Charles William Tessmer, 83 (July 3, 2003); and her sister, Karen Ann Avila-Tessmer, 58 (June 28, 2005).
Sandra graduated from Bryan Adams High School in Dallas, Texas, in 1961 and earned her bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 1965. Inspired by her father’s legal career, she originally worked in the legal field; however, upon helping her nephew Darren catch up his 3rd grade education after some extended absences from school, she found her passion was teaching and so earned a teaching credential and eventually a Master’s Degree in Education in 1999. She spent more than 30 years dedicated to teaching elementary school including DISD at John Neely Bryan and later at Dan D. Rodgers elementary schools, touching several generations of students with her patience, intelligence, and kindness.
Sandra fully embraced her retirement. She was an avid and accomplished card player who loved bridge, poker, canasta, as well as mah-jongg. She enjoyed book clubs; researching fashion trends ie. online shopping, hairstyles, and recipes; as well as cooking and entertaining. A music lover, she enjoyed rock ’n’ roll, especially The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, and numerous blues legends, such as The Great BB King. A true Pisces, Sandra adored the ocean and so treasured her travels to the beaches of the Caribbean and Mexico in addition to her numerous visits to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to visit her sister and nephew.
Sandra lived her life centered on curiosity in all things, friendship, and enjoyment of the moment. In her memory, let us celebrate her by embracing the things she loved most – good MUSIC, good FOOD, good BOOKS, good CARD GAMES, good MOVIES, and good FRIENDS!
Important organizations she cared deeply about.
Operation Kindness
Democratic Party
Dallas Education Foundation
Friends of the Dallas Public Library
What’s your fondest memory of Sandra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sandra?
Share a story where Sandra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sandra you’ll never forget.
How did Sandra make you smile?