Betty Johnson

Betty Monk Johnson, 78, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2016, at Northstar Place in Kennesaw, GA, following an extended illness.

She was born in Ty Ty, GA to the late Joe Louie and Elizabeth Gibbs Monk on February 14, 1938. After graduating from Tift County High School, she received a B.A. degree in History from Wesleyan College in 1959 and a M.A. degree in History from the University of Georgia in 1961.

Mrs. Johnson’s love of history and her passion for teaching others about the world and its people continued throughout her life. She began her teaching career as a social studies teacher at Avondale High School in Decatur. She then became the assistant Professor of History at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. She met and married her husband, Gene Norris Johnson, and moved to Folkston in 1963. Betty taught World History, Geography, Government, and Art at Charlton County High School for 32 years. She was a S.T.A.R. teacher twice and was the Beta Club sponsor for numerous years. She was selected as Charlton County’s Teacher of the Year for 1986-87. After her retirement from the school system, she taught G.E.D. classes at Cornell Corrections for eleven years. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa.

In addition to teaching, Betty worked with her husband, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law in the family business, Johnson Bros. Hardware, and became co-owner in 1972. She and her husband continued to operate the business until only a few years ago. Many may remember “Miss Betty” helping them to set up their bridal table or to choose special gifts for loved ones.

Betty was an avid reader who also enjoyed gardening, cooking, playing bridge, and shopping for antiques. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and was a member of Folkston United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, G. Norris Johnson, and her brother, Joel Louie Monk of Ty Ty. She is survived by two daughters, Daryn Johnson Sasser and her husband Robb of Florence, SC, and Danice Johnson Foley and her husband Mason of Kennesaw, GA; a son, Clinton Norris Johnson and his wife Brandi of Blairsville, GA; four grandchildren, Elizabeth and Scott Sasser of Florence, SC, and Gracie Ann and Judd Johnson of Blairsville, GA; a first cousin who was more like a brother, Everette Allen Ivey and his wife Judy of Ty Ty; a brother-in-law, Erich Harry Johnson, Jr. of Folkston; two sisters-in-law, Doris Johnson of Folkston and Ann Monk of Newnan, GA; one niece, five nephews, and numerous other relatives.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 11, at 11:00 AM at Folkston United Methodist Church under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends in the church social hall immediately following the service. A family graveside service will follow at Hickory Springs Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Tifton, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Folkston United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC  20090-6011.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, GA.