Betty V. Johnson, 83, of Dalton, Georgia, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2015, in Hamilton Medical Center.
Betty was born on Feb. 14, 1932 in Dalton, in a small track home on the eastern side at the bottom of Fort Hill. She was the first of two children to grace the home of Alfred D. and Odell C. Beavers. Throughout her adolescent years, Betty lived in multiple locations in Whitfield and Murray Counties. Just shy of her first birthday, and just after the birth of her brother Gene, they moved to Beaverdale with their loving parents. Unfortunately, the duo lost their father shortly after the move. Given the economic times of the depression, the family fell upon extraordinarily difficult times. They were fortunate to have kind family and friends that opened up their hearts and homes providing love and comfort.When Betty was about two years old, her loving mother made a very difficult decision to accept the kind offer from Becky and Kyle Fowler for Betty to become a part of their family. Foster-brother John and wife Hazel welcomed their new sister with open arms. Becoming the adored daughter and princess of the family, she immediately integrated into the family filling the void in their hearts providing love, support and stability.Over the coming years, Betty thrived in the care of her new family while never losing the loving relationship with her brother Gene, her mother and her mother’s new growing family. She attended schools in Dawnville, Cisco, Spring Place and Chatsworth. Fond childhood memories were built around climbing through and around the Chief Vann House (before the house was considered a national treasure), family outings and camping trips to the big Tennessee River where she learned to fish and love the water (even though she never learned to swim), but most of all, she loved playing mommy with her handmade dolls and making dresses for them. In fact, she loved sewing so much, she was caught cutting and sewing her newly homemade petticoats into dresses for her favorite doll - an excellent early example of her attitude and willingness to consistently sacrifice for her babies and the needs of the ones she loved.After being introduced by fellow friends in 1949, she began dating her husband-to-be Walter A. “Shorty” Johnson; their first date being a roller-skating adventure. The result- Shorty was smitten but Betty required some convincing. Apparently the baggy clothes and VO5 greased hair were not enough to seal the deal. Fortunately, with persistence, Shorty won her heart and over time their love blossomed! They were married on December 8th, 1951.Soon after being married, Betty followed Shorty to new destinations associated with his service in the U.S. Army. After Shorty’s basic training, they landed in Fort Rucker, AL. This was a great time for the Johnson family given the joyful births of Joyce, Jimmy and Timmy. Upon the successful completion of Shorty’s duty, the family moved to Enterprise, Alabama and settled into private life- Betty being a full-time mother. In 1959, Betty, Shorty and family returned to Dalton. In 1960, their fourth child Terry was born. While first and foremost a mother and homemaker, Betty also worked for Red Hat Poultry, Lady Madison, Constellation and Dellrube Chenille. She ended her working days at Shaw Industries retiring in 1997. After retirement, Betty enjoyed sharing times with family and friends. She was most fulfilled taking care of her grandchildren, baking and sewing. She considered her marriage and the achievements of Shorty, her children and grand-children among some of her finest accomplishments.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Walter A. “Shorty” Johnson; her foster parents, Kyle Q. and Becky Fowler; her biological parents, Alfred D. Beavers and Odell Duckett Crumbley; brother, Gene Beavers; foster brother, John E. Fowler and wife Hazel; foster niece, Elizabeth Powell; foster nephew, John Fowler; step-brothers, JT and Floyd Crumbley; and foster nephews, Ricky and Crawford Powell Junior.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Joyce J. Cantrell; sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmy O. and Dawn Johnson, Tim A. and Kathy Johnson and Terry L. and Danita Johnson; grandchildren, Lee A. and Kelly Johnson, Stephanie Diffey, Jeremy W. Cantrell, Wesley A. and Sarah Ann Johnson, Ms. Emily N. Johnson, Ms. Ashley M. Johnson and Ms. Kelsey D. Johnson, Haley N. Johnson, Daniel Johnson and Parker Johnson; step-grandchildren, Patrick Arthur and Jonathan and Pamela Arthur; great-grandchildren, Austin Lorenz, Brooklin Diffey, Brylea Diffey and Isabelle C. Cantrell; step-grandchild, Jacob Arthur; sisters and husband, Annie-Ruth and Reynold Mantooth and Stella Marie Jones; brother and wife, Thomas and Belinda Crumbley; step-sisters, Ruby Sanford and Evelyn DeLoach; foster sister, Kathy Woods and husband Charles; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Services for Betty will be Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Love Funeral Home. Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 5-8 p.m. at Love Funeral Home.
Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave. Dalton is in charge of arrangements.