Betty C. Johnson

On January 19, 2024 Betty C. Johnson, loving and devoted wife to her late husband of 68 years Richard J. Johnson and mother of Sharon K. Huggins, entered into the loving arms of Her Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 93. She was born on January 4, 1931 in Harrisburg, PA to Ollie Frances and Robert Otis Carpenter. 

Betty met Richard at the age of 15, and they were married 6 years later. She received her Bachelors in Elementary Education and English, graduating from Juniata College with Distinct Honors. She was on the tennis team all through High School and College. She sang solos in her Grandfather's church as a young girl, and was in the choir for all of her academic years as well as during the early years of their marriage.

Betty and Richard participated in many activities together throughout their marriage. They were on a couples bowling league, taking first place many times throughout the first decade of their marriage. They enjoyed gardening, landscaping their yard, and Betty had an eye for interior design for their home. They greatly enjoyed reading and sharing books together throughout their 68 years of marriage, but the time they spent in God's Word resulted in their favorite and most precious memories. They were actively involved in a Gourmet Club for more than a decade, comprised of their closest friends. For more than 50 years these same cherished friends would also share holidays, vacations, and many other adventures with them.  

Betty was extremely organized, so when paired with the adventuresome spirit of Richard, the two would cherish their frequent travels throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Betty's artistic talents were diverse, though she humbly declined multiple invitations to display her work in local art galleries. She instead chose to use her talents to help her daughter, grandchildren, and students grow and develop their own creative skills.   

Betty taught elementary grade levels for more than 24 years. Before there was mandatory inclusion of children struggling in school, there was Betty eagerly welcoming them into her classroom. On paper she taught 4th grade. In reality, her classroom more resembled a one room schoolhouse filled with a multitude of needs and talents of children the school district (at that time) had no idea how to help. She often unified her students through art and they blossomed under her compassionate care and "outside the box" leadership skills. Betty concurrently supported Richard, keeping him organized and encouraging him as he ministered to clients and their families through his insurance business.  Upon retirement from teaching, she would continue to work alongside her husband for the next 34 years, until his retirement. 

Family was Betty's heartbeat and she poured her heart and soul into tenderly loving, encouraging and caring for each member. She sacrificially and generously gave of her time, resources, and life in order to love them and nurture their interests and talents. She humbly and gratefully defined herself as a child of God, wife, mother, grandmother and most recently great grandmother. She faithfully and daily prayed for each family member and friend by name. She also prayed for those she did not know personally, both near and far.  

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Huggins and her husband, Russell; her grandchildren, Nathaniel and his wife Jacqueline and their son Henry, Christian, Ian, Benjamin, and Selah; and her dearest friend and second cousin, Virginia Hutting. 

A public viewing will be held from 12:30 PM until services begin in the funeral home at 1:30PM on Thursday January 25, 2024 at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. Burial will immediately follow in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill. Flowers are welcome, as are contributions made in Betty's name to an organization she held near and dear: God's Pit Crew, 2499 N. Main Street, Danville, VA 24540, or at www.godspitcrew.org.