Betty Johnson's Obituary
Elizabeth Annette Johnson, 92, of Centerville, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa. She was born in Centerville, Iowa on September 14, 1924 to Delazon "Dell" and Lucy "Glenn" (Guernsey) Wilson. She married Vern William Johnson on Sunday April 13, 1952 in Milton, Florida. He preceded her in death, October 21, 1966. They farmed in rural Davis County and together raised 4 children, Kathy, Richard, Russ and John. Betty graduated from Centerville High School, in Centerville, Iowa. She taught school at Albany Country School in rural Davis County. She graduated in 1945 from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Ottumwa, Iowa, and in 1982 graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of St. Francis at the age of 58. As a registered nurse; she served in San Diego, California with the U.S. Nurse Corp during World War II, she continued nursing in area hospitals and nursing homes for more than 50 years, after retirement she also helped many residents, performing in-home nursing care. She held her registered nursing license in many states, Iowa, Virginia, Alaska, Arizona and Wisconsin to name a few, traveling to help serve where there was a need. Betty loved being a nurse and loved helping others. At the age of 79, she boarded the Mercy Ships and traveled to international ports of call, going into poverty stricken areas such as Guatemala, to administer medical treatments to the population. Along with helping others Betty most enjoyed worshiping the Lord. She attended church wherever she was, and enjoyed singing in the choir, helping in the nursery and teaching bible school. Betty lived her life to the fullest, serving others but mostly serving God. She always knew her belief to serve the Lord was where she received her strength and love. Betty will be remembered most for her compassion, she had unconditional love for every person who crossed her path. It did not matter to her if you were family or not, she would show love and give unselfishly to everyone. She was a free spirit, she was ready for any adventure, her love of travel took her too many places, she knew from her own experiences that life is short, that only God knows when your last day will be, and you should live while you're alive and treasure every second you have on this earth. Serving, loving, learning, giving, and having fun every day. Betty is survived by; 1 sister; Janet Martin of Edmund, Oklahoma, 2 sons, Richard (Yvonne) Johnson, and Russell (Chris) Johnson all of Unionville, Iowa. 5 grandchildren; Rich (Callie) Johnson of Unionville, IA, Lea (Michael) Kruse of Boone, IA, and Emily Johnson of Unionville, IA. Melodie (Bob) Trowbridge of Brighton, IA, and Guy Johnson of Ottumwa, IA. 6 Great Grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband Vern; daughter Kathy Johnson; son John Johnson; two brothers Joe Wilson and an infant brother, David; two sisters Charlotte Rogers, and Nancy Moore. Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 3:00 at the Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with Pastor Terry Chapman Officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 prior to the service. Burial will be in the Unionville, Iowa cemetery to follow. A memorial has been established to the Unionville, Iowa cemetery, and can be left at the funeral home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Betty Johnson please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Unionville Cemetery County Road T61
Unionville, IA 52594 Visitation OCT 16. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected] Funeral Service OCT 16. 3:00 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?