Betty Johnson

Betty Jean Johnson, a woman known as much for her razor-sharp wit as for her boundless generosity, accepted the call to return to her Heavenly home on December 26, 2025 in Princeton, WV. She was born Betty Jean Edwards on May 8, 1935, the eighth of nine children to the late Joseph Thomas and Nora Hairston Edwards of Premier, WV. In her passing, she reunites with her parents, three brothers, and four sisters, and former husband.

A Life of Style and Service

A graduate of Kimball High School, Betty’s storied career was a reflection of her vibrant personality. She was a fixture of both McDowell County and southern West Virginia retail and fashion, but she was never confined to a storefront. Whether she was managing CATO Fashions in Welch with an expert eye, greeting neighbors from her iconic big orange van on Coal Heritage Road, or serving the community at Mount View High School games, Betty was always in motion.

Her work at the Wilcoe Mission was perhaps where her heart shone brightest; there, she combined her flair for fashion with her mission for ministry, ensuring that everyone she served looked and felt their absolute best. Betty didn't just provide a service; she provided a spark. No matter the encounter, she left people feeling loved, capable, and encouraged to "keep going."

Faith, Family, and Legacy

In June of 1959, Betty married Lloyd Johnson, Jr. and they built a life and a legacy in Thorpe, West Virginia, where they raised their family. A devoted and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Wilcoe, Betty was a fiery leader within several church auxiliaries, bringing her characteristic energy to every ministry she touched.

Betty’s memory will be cherished by her six children: Norma Warner (Robert “Doc”) of Pineville, WV; Drema Johnson (Tyrone Reeves) of Thorpe, WV; Pamela Miller (Reverend H. Steven) of Earlysville, VA; Cyrus Johnson of Bluefield, WV; Donald Johnson of Charleston, WV; and Yvonne Johnson of Bluefield, VA. She is also survived by her brother, Garnett Edwards, Sr. of Havaco, WV; adopted daughters Mildred Edwards of Chicago, IL, and Shirley Porterfield of Keystone, WV; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family throughout the world.

Betty’s heart was too big to be limited by bloodlines. A mother figure to many, she leaves behind a host of "bonus children" who felt the warmth of her home and the strength of her guidance, including Tracey Allison and Debra Cooper. Among the most special community members who supported and cared for Betty include her Mount View Sports family: Ed and Lynda Evans, Aaron Hood, Ronald and Priscilla Dalton, Donald and Carlisa Merriweather and Freda Parsons.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Mrs. Johnson at 12:00 noon on Monday, January 5, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Wilcoe, West Virginia with Pastor David  Cooper officiating.  Entombment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, 6605 New Hope Road in Bluewell, West Virginia.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to her Service.  Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, West Virginia.