Iris Mae Dyson
Iris Mae Dyson of Montclair, NJ passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on May 9, 2026. She was born July 25, 1931 in Montclair, NJ to the late Leon Harrison Sr. and Edna Johnson Harrison.
She graduated from Montclair High School and continued her education in New York City where she trained to become a radiology technician. Iris had a successful career and went on to specialize in Mammography. She continued her career at UMDNJ until her retirement 30 years later.
Iris was a devoted mother to her sons, Dr. Duane Dyson and Michael Dyson. The stories this family could tell about the boys' childhood—and there were many of them—would have made a funny book! She loved telling these stories. She was a sharp dresser and was not afraid to wear white! A voracious reader, she loved spiritual reads and mysteries. She traveled the world and attended many Broadway shows.
Iris especially loved cooking and having her brother Donald, Duane's family, and her nieces' families pop in on a Sunday just to catch up. She was an excellent cook and made every Sunday dinner a Thanksgiving feast!
Iris was preceded in death by her son Michael Dyson, her two brothers Leon Harrison Jr. (Vinessa) and Donald Harrison (Amy), beloved family members Bette Leake, Barbara Walton and Edith Hurt, and her beloved companion of many years, Star.
Iris is survived by her oldest son Duane and daughter-in-law Diedre, grandsons Duane, Darius, and Allen Robinson, her cousin Yaasmyn Fula, nieces and nephews Kim Harrison-Jenkins (Thaddeus), Donna Hamblin, Jeffrey Harrison, Leon Harrison Jr., Celeste Kelly (Joseph), Eric Harrison (Lisa), Deneen McNeil (Carlyn), Burnett McKnight (Arlene), Joanne Bailey (David), Pat and Robin Hurt. She was very proud of and close to her many grand-nieces and grand-nephews, whom she loved and who loved her dearly. She shared a special friendship with Duane's mother-in-law Margot and the whole Atherton family and was present at every milestone and special occasion.
A special thank you to her loving nurses Michelle and Suthi and all the wonderful staff at Job Haines Home, Bloomfield, NJ.