Her Story

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Ms. Bettye Jean (Hill) Johnson was born on October 20, 1944, in West Blocton, Alabama; the tenth of eleven children blessed to the late Mr. John Wesley Hill, Sr. and the late Mrs. Lillie Mae (Burt) Hill. She was preceded in death by eight siblings, including four who passed away in childhood, and by Mr. Willis Hill, Mr. Henry J. Hill, Mrs. French D. Boykins, and Ms. Hattie M. Pettaway.

Educated at Bibb County Training School/H.D. Davison High School under the leadership of the late Professor N. B. Wesley and the late Professor Arthur A. Burks, Bettye carried herself with the quiet dignity of a woman who understood the value of learning, discipline, and perseverance. On October 29, 1964, she entered into holy matrimony with the love of her life, the late Mr. Franklin Delano “Bo” Johnson, Sr. Their union — 481⁄2 years strong —was a living testimony of covenant love, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. To this blessed union, God entrusted three children: Franklin, Jr., Joseph, and Pamela.

A Proverbs 31 Woman in Every Season of Life

Bettye embodied the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman — industrious, wise, compassionate, and clothed in strength and honor. She was “a woman who looked well to the ways of her household,” working tirelessly alongside her husband as a provider and caregiver. Her hands were never idle. She labored faithfully as line personnel at Gulf States Paper Corporation and later as a skilled seamstress for Santana Sportswear and Health-Tex. In agreement with her husband, she set aside her career to care for her elderly father during his final years with Alzheimer’s Disease — a sacrifice that reflected her deep commitment to family and her calling to serve. After his passing in 1992, she continued her life’s work of nurturing others as a DHR social worker, counselor, and caretaker for youth at the Boyd School residential treatment facility in Greenpond, Alabama. Across 33 years of dedicated service, she lived out the scripture: “She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.”

A Faithful Servant of God

Bettye accepted Christ at age twelve and became a devoted member of Mt. Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. G. D. Craig. She taught the Children’s Sunday School class, served faithfully as President of the Missionary Society, and joyfully ushered worshippers into God’s house with her warm smile. Her belief was simple yet profound: live so that someone may give their life to Christ. Even in declining health, she remained steadfast — a woman who “feared the Lord,” and whose faith shaped every aspect of her life. Extending her ministry beyond the church walls, she served as Past Worthy Matron of Orpha Chapter #3, O.E.S., PHA, leading charitable works that uplifted her community.

A Life Filled with Love, Service, and Joy

Bettye’s passions reflected her generous heart: preparing home-cooked meals and sharing her famous oxtail gumbo, baking cakes for family and charity, canning vegetables from Stephen Preston’s (Linda) garden, checking on the elderly and supporting anyone in need, attending every school, sporting, church, and life event for her grandchildren, enjoying shopping trips with her niece Joanne Lily (Dan) and nephew Barry Arrick (Ruthie), occasional casino outings with her nephew James Arrick (Christina), catching up with nieces Tonya Arrick and Cheryl Goode (Barry, Sr.), relaxing in her favorite recliner with her beloved word search puzzles.

In her later years, she formed a joyful companionship with Derrick Weathers and Deborah Hardin — affectionately known as The Three Amigos —sharing conversations, laughter, and home-cooked meals. Above all, she devoted herself to caring for her son Joseph, ensuring his needs were met  even when it meant placing herself last. Her love was sacrificial, steadfast, and unconditional — the very heart of a Proverbs 31 woman.

Her Heavenly Transition

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the angels came and gently took Bettye by the hand, leading her home to be with God the Father. “Her works praise her in the gates.”

Her Legacy of Love

She leaves to cherish a lifetime of breathtaking, joyful memories: two loving and dedicated sons, Franklin Delano Johnson, Jr. (Sharon) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Joseph Cartrell Johnson of West Blocton, Alabama; one loving and devoted daughter, Pamela Ronnell Johnson-Hunter (Thad) of Birmingham, Alabama; four precious grandchildren (her pride and joy): Brittani Shanay Johnson-Hernandez (David), Jordan Alexander Johnson,  Carrington Laci Hunter, and Lexxington Kaci Hunter; one sister, Mae W. Richardson of West Blocton, Alabama; one brother, John W. Hill, Jr. of Fort Wayne, Indiana; one brother-in-law, Marvin Johnson (Carmen) of San Antonio, Texas; her special Godmother, Willie Dean Wyatt of Jacksonville, Florida; a special young person she poured into, Kaitlyn Parrish; numerous Godsons, Goddaughters, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends Her life was a living sermon — a portrait of grace, generosity, and godly womanhood. Truly, “many daughters have done virtuously, but she excelled them all.”