Bettye was raised in a humble, yet loving home consisting of an older brother, Bob, and a much younger sister, Barbara. Her dad worked for the railroad and her mother was a homemaker and later in life, a nurses'' aid. They lived off of the land as much as possible, slaughtering hogs and curing them in the smoke house. They had a garden from which they harvested and prepared food for the winter months. Bettye''s mother made most of her dresses out of flour sacks. She was known for her scholastic ability and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" in her senior year at JB Young High School in Bemis. She was a gifted writer, but also enjoyed the sciences.

Upon graduation, Bettye was awarded a full scholarship to the Methodist School of nursing here in Memphis. She entered nurses training at the age of 17 and graduated in the fall of 1958 at the age of 19 as a Registered Nurse. The environment in nursing school was very strict. There was an early curfew and the girls were discouraged from dating. They were not allowed to marry while in school. Once, while home on break, her current beau''s sister-in-law asked Bettye if she had a friend who could spend time with her brother who was recently discharged from the Air Force. Bettye volunteered for the job herself and the rest is history. Bettye and Buddy fell deeply in love and they felt they could not wait until graduation from nursing school to marry. They had a secret civil ceremony and kept it under wraps for a few months. Buddy found a job and they rented a little apartment near school. Bettye had to return to the dorm at the nurses'' college each night to sleep. She managed, however to squeeze in some time now and then to rendezvous with her new husband.

Bettye and Buddy quickly started a family and they raised three daughters - Kathy, Beth, and Lea. Bettye was a devoted working mother. It was almost as though the girls had a stay-at-home mom. Bettye would work 3rd shift, come home and get the girls off to school. She would sleep for maybe six hours and then awaken to prepare to pick the girls up. Then, they were transported to Girl Scout meetings, dancing school lessons, ball games, and the like. She was sleep-deprived, but made sure that her girls had opportunities to develop their talents. Bettye''s life actually revolved around the family. She was an assistant Girl Scout leader and never missed a ball game or a recital. Every birthday, she would prepare the celebrant''s meal of choice. One of the favorite selections was homemade pronto pups. (She continued this tradition with her beloved grandchildren.) Bettye continued to support her children and grandchildren in various ways throughout their lives. She was a room mother to Beth''s first grade classes at Hanley Elementary in Orange Mound for many years - baking cupcakes for every holiday and helping with struggling readers. She was an enthusiastic band supporter for Bethy - attending every concert, meeting, fundraiser, and football game - even away games in extreme temperatures. She spent hours with Joseph, prepping him for his driver''s exam. She visited Abby annually wherever Kathy and Andy lived throughout the country, enjoying precious time with her far away granddaughter.

Bettye had a long career with Methodist Hospital (35 years to be exact.) After the children were grown and before the grandchildren were on the scene, she went back to school, attending Memphis State University from which she earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 1989, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Bettye was a true professional and respected by all who knew her. Her favorite job was in labor and delivery, but after a while, she made a change to the eye clinic. Toward the end of her career, she transitioned to geriatric nursing. Some of Bettye''s life-long friends were from her days of nursing. Edite was a dear friend from nursing school. Bonnie was an on-the-job friend who remained close to the very end, visiting her regularly with meals and hours of conversation about spiritual things, family, and the mundane things of life.

Bettye had plenty of love to spare, even to extended family. Even though there was a vast age difference, Bettye and her sister Barbara were the best of friends as adults. After her diagnosis, Bettye and her sister-in-law Carla also became close. Carla kept Mom stocked with Godiva Chocolates at all times and spoiled her with fresh flowers and gifts. Bettye had a special relationship with nieces and nephews and their children, being a welcome guest at family celebrations. She adored her great nieces and nephews. She and her niece, Benita, had a close bond. When Benita had her children, Bettye and Buddy were the surrogate grandparents to Stephanie, John, and Jenny. Through Bettye''s illness, Benita accompanied her to almost every chemo appointment, where she kept Bettye entertained with amusing anecdotes.

Bettye lived on Cochese Road for almost 40 years where she had enjoyed wonderful neighbors. Jimmie Sue and C.W. were like family to her. When she moved to her present home, she found a loving, supportive community. After Bettye got sick, her neighbor Mary Ann would bring her newspaper to her back door every day. She quickly became the best of friends with her neighbors Mary Jean and Nancy. They visited daily, sharing each other''s lives. It was through her relationship with Nancy that Bettye found a church home at Trafalgar Village Baptist Church. Bettye had come to faith and been baptized years earlier, but she had not had a church home for a number of years, so she embraced the warm congregation. Even on days when she was feeling quite bad, she made every effort to attend church.

Bettye fought valiantly against the cancer that had invaded her body. Until she had no choice, she would not give up the fight. Her granddaughter, Bethany, who lived with her and was studying to be a nurse, like her Granny, assisted her. Granny''s goal was to live long enough to see Abby become a licensed speech therapist and Bethy to make it through nursing school. She was able to do both.

Bettye was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph G. Johnson Jr., her parents, Lela Jewell Murchison Crowell and Eddie Joe Crowell, and her brother, Bobby Crowell. Bill and Kay Tedford, beloved relatives, and dear friend Jimmie Sue Jackson also preceded her in death.

Bettye leaves behind her daughters and their families: Kathy and Andy Adams and Abby and Wesley Welch, Beth and James Rasberry, and Lea, Rick, Joseph, and Bethany Tibbs. She is also survived by a beloved sister, her husband, and their children: Barbara, Earl, Scott and Cory Brewer. She leaves a sister in law, Carla Tiller, nieces, Benita Horn and Patty Rico, and nephews Billy, Jimmie, and Glen Tedford. She also leaves behind their spouses, children, and beloved grandchildren. She leaves extended family members Madge, Charles, and Cheryll Johnson.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2015 until service begins at 2 p.m. at Forest Hill Funeral Home East location on Whitten Road with interment following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trafalgar Village Baptist Church, 6161 Summer Ave., Memphis TN, 38134.

Forest Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, East
(901) 382-1000