Betty Bee Johnson

Betty Bee Johnson passed away peacefully in her Indiana home on October 13, 2020.  Surrounded by her loving family, she went to be with her Lord. She was born on March 27, 1918 in her parents Indianapolis home.  She lived a full 102 years and looked forward to joining her husband, Dwight, of 57 years. She is survived by daughters Betty Bee Searles and Gloria Jeanne Stayton (husband, Steve), as well as her son Dwight (Dick) Richard Johnson, Jr. and his wife, Judi.  Her extended family include 12 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis (Miles) Mount and husband, William.

While attending Butler University she was an active member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.

During WW II as her husband fought in the European/North African Theater, she established a kindergarten in her home, and continued teaching kindergarten class in Lawrence Township.  As her own children grew, she was very involved in PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and in many civic roles for the community. This public service included census taker and sheriff and as well as judge for the election pole.

In later years she joined the international Bible Study Fellowship for eight years, traveling to Texas and Switzerland in her studies while visiting family.

Her nurturing approach to others, (always accepting them as they were) touched the lives of countless individuals, preschoolers through adulthood. In addition to her love and attention, she and her husband gave of their resources whenever possible.

The following prayer aptly reflects her life objectives and she held it close to her heart.

“O Lord, grant that each one who has to do with me today may be the happier for it.  Let it be given me each hour today what I shall say, and grant me the wisdom of a loving heart, that I may say the right thing rightly.

Help me to enter the mind of everyone who talks with me, and keep me alive to the feelings of each one present. Give me a quick eye for little kindnesses, that I may be ready in doing them, and gracious in receiving them.

Give me a quick perception of the feelings and of others, and make me eager hearted in helping them.  Amen”

Her Memorial Service will be held at her lifelong home church, Roberts Park United Methodist Church located at 401 N. Delaware Street. The service will begin at  1 pm on Saturday, October 24, 2020 with the showing in the church sanctuary from 11 am to 1 pm. The funeral burial will follow.  Her final resting place will be next to her husband at Flanner and Buchanan Washington Park East Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Little Red Door Cancer Agency, 1801 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, 7201 Girl Scout Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46214.