"Was so sorry to hear of Betty?s death. She was such a warm caring individual and always with the beautiful smile. She will be missed by the Echo Luncheon Club members. Patsy Robinson"
In loving memory of
Betty Lou Johnson
January 3, 1941 - October 6, 2020
Betty Lou Johnson passed away peacefully on October 6, 2020 at the age of 79. She was born on January 3, 1941, to Albert Lourens Jr. and Sarah Marie (McCormick) Lourens in rural Runnells, Iowa. She graduated from Mitchellville High School in 1959. Betty attended Grandview College then transferred to Central College in Pella, Iowa. She received a BA Degree in English from Central in 1963. Betty was hired by the Cedar Rapids Community School District as an elementary teacher and taught at Cleveland and Johnson Elementary schools.
Betty married William C. (Bill) Johnson on November 28, 1964 at the Methodist Church in Mitchellville, Iowa. For the next four years due to Bill's work the family moved to several cities: Omaha, Houston, Cedar Rapids, Toronto and Plano, Texas. Settling in Plano, Betty and Bill raised their three boys, Jay, Jim and Joel. After the boys went to college Betty continued her teaching career at Canyon Creek Day School in Plano, where she taught computer classes.
Following Betty and Bill's retirement, they have split their time between their home in Plano, and their home, garden and orchard in Jasper County, Iowa. The routine being winter in Texas and most of the summer in Iowa. Betty was a supporting and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who enjoyed spending time with her loved ones and friends but especially her seven grandchildren.
Betty is predeceased by her father and mother as well as her only sibling Robert Lee Lourens. She is survived by her husband, Bill Johnson; her three boys, their wives and children: Jay Brent Johnson and wife Cristy, sons Kyle and Nathan; James Ian Johnson and wife Juli, daughters Hannah and Sarah; Joel Albert Johnson and wife Wendy, daughters Madeleine, Miriam and Amanda.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations to the Church of your choice, charity of your choice or Faith Presbyterian Hospice in memory of Betty. The Hospice website is: https://www.forefrontliving.org/donate-now/. Graveside funeral services will be held on Monday, October 12, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Waveland Cemetery in Prairie City. There will be an open visitation held on Sunday, October 11, 2020, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at Coburn Funeral Home in Prairie City. The family requests that all CDC Covid-19 virus guidelines be followed.
Tributes
"Although it has been many years that I was a guest in Betty and Bill?s home in Texas and also many years since the last time I met them when they visited Amsterdam, I still have loving memories. You were a wonderful, warm person Betty and I am grateful to have known you. Attie Braafhart, Amsterdam, Holland. "
"This picture captures Betty?s beauty and smile perfectly. I think the smile was almost permanent ? even through the sickness ? and, warmed all those that knew Betty. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Bill and his sons, Jay, Jim, Joel and their families. God bless the Johnson?s. Jack & Suzy Sumrall"
"Betty was one of the kindest, friendly, and gracious person I have ever known. She was the most generous neighbor and friend. We met when our family first moved to Plano in 1985. We walked together, shared our love for our kids, her beautiful garden, and wonderful cooking always come to mind when I think of Betty. My children loved her as I love her children. Anyone who knew her has a beautiful memory that will live on forever. Love to her wonderful family and caring husband. Their life is an example to all of us. Rest in peace, my friend and make beautiful heavenly gardens and food for all the beautiful souls that you have yet to meet. Love you, my friend"
"I have very fond memories of visiting Uncle Al, Aunt Sarah, Bob and Betty often in Mitchelville. Our families were very close. Even though Betty was 13 years older than me, she always spent time with me and I idolized her.. I loved attending your wedding. We had a wonderful cousins reunion and it was so great that you guys attended. I really enjoyed catching up and visiting with you. Betty was a very loving and caring cousin. I will continue to pray for all of the Johnson family."
"If Betty was part of your life, you were a blessed person."
"I remember Betty from our college days at Grand View. She was a wonderful and kind friend. She will be missed by so many. "