Teresa Joy Johnson-Tyhanic

Teresa Joy Johnson-Tyhanic, 67, of Whispering Pines, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Hospice House in West End, North Carolina. 

She was born on December 14, 1958, in Pinehurst to the late Edward Lee and Wilma Bibey Johnson. 

Teresa graduated from Pinecrest High School and went on to graduate from Sandhills Community College as a Respiratory Therapist. She dedicated 30 years to FirstHealth, where she loved medicine and caring for those who could not care for themselves. She shared endless stories — often unbelievable, but always true. She enjoyed music, horseback riding, and art. Teresa defied all odds, living 15 years beyond what doctors predicted, often making them laugh in disbelief at her strength and determination. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, each wonderfully different but always united when it mattered most. She is lovingly remembered as a caring mother and proud grandmother. 

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 27 years, Michael S. Tyhanic, another medical anomaly, and her perfect match. 

She is survived by her sons, Bascom “Jonathan” and wife Shannon Johnson of Foxfire, and Stephen “Jake” Tyhanic of Whispering Pines; her three granddaughters, Kayla Johnson, Willow Johnson, and Adeline Johnson of Foxfire; her sister, Debbie Williams of Vass; and her brothers, Gary Johnson of Raleigh, and Lanny Johnson of Carthage. 

The family will hold a private memorial service. 

Online condolences may be shared at PinesFunerals.com. 

Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is serving the family.