The word "sojourner" comes to mind when I think about our mother Puddy. She was a temporary resident in many places in her life, especially her life with our late father, Bromley Dyson. He lived a peripatetic existence and could not stay in one place for very long. Despite this almost nomadic life, she was a faithful and contented sojourner.

Nina Weir Harris Dyson, known more affectionately as "Puddy" throughout her life, entered her Eternal rest on September 11, 2022. Puddy was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family meant the world to her. However, her greatest love was her late husband Bromley who first blazed the trail to their heavenly home.

Puddy was born on September 26, 1930, in Clarksdale, MS, the first of three daughters to Sam and Nina Harris. Her father Sam was a reporter for the Associated Press when Puddy was born. He was often on assignment in these early years reporting about the Depression in the deep south. Her family lived with her maternal grandparents in Clarksdale during this time and her maternal Grandfather, Dr. Thack Hughes, spoiled and thoroughly doted on Puddy and her siblings.

When her father Sam became the managing editor of the now defunct Arkansas Gazette, the family moved to Little Rock and Puddy graduated from Little Rock High School. She later attended the University of Alabama and was a member of Tri Delta women's sorority. She met her future husband Bromley at a Sigma Nu House party at the University.

Puddy and Bromley were married in 1952 and had four sons, Clegg, Thack (Rebecca), Reid (Cathy) and Peter (Julie). They, in turn, produced eight grandchildren who later produced fifteen great-grandchildren.

Puddy's life as a "sojourner" began when she and Bromley were married. It is estimated that they moved almost thirty times after they exchanged "I do's." Most of these relocations were typically across town except for a few major moves connected with Bromley's profession, the most notable of which was a two-year stint in the Bahamas. She never balked when Bromley would come home and announce, "We're moving." She once commented that she often felt like a "soldier's wife" because of her many moves. That's why she often regarded herself as Bromley's "camp follower." Yet Puddy had this wonderful ability to make each new location a "home." No bags or boxes were left unpacked in anticipation of the next move.  She had a knack for being content wherever she was.

She also made each new place a home for all of us. While moving to new schools could be distressing, all of us managed to make new friends and enjoy our lives in each new town or community. Like her, we managed to learn how to adapt and settled quickly in each new place.

Despite these many moves, Puddy managed to have a career as a speech therapist for the Baldwin County (Alabama) School Board. She was also a member of the D.A.R., various Altar Guilds of the Episcopal Congregations she belonged to, and was very active in the lives and avocational pursuits of her sons. She had a photographic memory and until her memory began to fade with age, she could recall the names of almost everyone she ever met. She made many friendships wherever she was and enjoyed spending time with them. Both she and Bromley were excellent dancers and that was their favorite pastime.

Her beloved Episcopal Church was one of the few constants in her life. Raised a Southern Baptist, she quickly transitioned into the Episcopal tradition after marrying Bromley and never looked back. She found comfort in the sacred liturgy and experienced a closeness with Christ in the Eucharist.

A private service to celebrate Puddy's life will be held at Christ Church Parish, Pensacola, FL on September 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., and her ashes will be interred in its columbarium. The service will be live streamed on YouTube and can be seen on Christ Church Parish's website. Memorial gifts may be made to Christ Church Parish, P. O. Box 12683, Pensacola, Florida 32591-2683, or St. Paul's Episcopal Church Building Fund, 28788 N. Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526.