Betty Jo Johnson
1987 - 2025
Betty Jo Johnson, age 37, of Winston-Salem, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Forsyth Medical Center, surrounded by her family and special friends.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at God’s Acre in Old Salem.
She was born on December 6, 1987, in Winston-Salem, NC, a daughter of the late, Ronal Johnson, Jr. and Lynn Thomas Hill.
Betty was a beautiful and happy child that was loved by her parents and grandparents. She was especially close with her mother. She was athletic and active in gymnastics and dance. Her second home was the neighborhood skating rink. She was loved by everyone she met. Betty was very tender-hearted and had a great love for animals, especially cats. They were a constant presence in her life.
Her death was unexpected, but she had decided that she wanted to be an organ donor before her passing. By making that selfless decision, she was able to help four other people heal and restore their quality of life.
She is survived by her devoted and faithful friend, Tom Winfree; aunts, Lisa Jones (Mike) and Ellyn Hill; cousins, Justin Hill (Catherine) and Josh Hill (Sarah); and sons, Zechariah Johnson and Ethan Todd Brown (adopted by the Brown family).
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, Ronal Johnson Sr, Dorothy Wooten Johnson, Howard Thomas, and Mary Thomas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Forsyth Humane Society, 4881 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104.
Betty was was such a kind hearted young lady
I had the pleasure of knowing and loving her
I love and thank you for being such a blessing our family
The skating ring days were the best! We would always go to t j’s deli, and you liked the chicken tender crumbs the most. When I think about my childhood, there’s not a memory that I don’t have without you in it. You are my neighborhood, middle school, high school, and life long Best Friend. More like a Sister our Moms were each other’s second Moms, and you shared Nana with me. I know you remember the time you got jealous when Nana showed me the card address to her from the president and not you and i ate it up and smeared it in that I was special LoL yeah definitely sisters! You definitely had a love for cats. I remember when you rescued patches from in between CVS and your backyard fence. That cat was very farel and would attack me in my sleep and drove everyone crazy! However, you gave her a loving home. You did love your exercising and tanning. Aunt Ellen knows you well. I don’t know what to say. I’m just going off of your obituary. I’m devastated.
I’m just trying to reminisce on our childhood. So many memories, so many milestones, so many inside jokes, and a life time of love. I’m glad I knocked on your door that day selling whatever from school and meeting you again the next day on the school bus and then it’s history from there we were inseparable. Along with so many other people , especially Ashley and Allison. Definitely the neighborhood house. We would have so many sleepovers..
We would all get ready and borrow your clothes. Reminds me of the movie the traveling pants. Somehow, with all of our different sizes and shapes. We could wear the same clothes. Then we would walk to eat at t j’s deli and go to skate haven. At any given time there could be 10 to 15 girls in your hugh room. I’m gonna eat some chicken tender crumbs, your favorite candy smarties and go down memory lane and grieve. I know you’re in the best place possible wrapped in the arms of Jesus with Mama and Nana.
Love you always!
Your sister, katie
Betty was a great childhood friend. We went our separate ways as adults but I can’t pass Calvary church without remembering shaboom and sleepovers, being spooked by your life-size star trek cardboard cutout. I will always remember and cherish the prank calls and aol chats. You are so loved and missed by so many.
My children and I love you so much Betty, I have lost a best friend and my children have lost someone who truly cared and loved playing with them. It’s never goodbye and we will see you later!
You will be greatly missed. Hung your granny and cocoa for me and if you see my big sister Lauren tell her I’ll be home to her soon
I hope Betty gets the peace she deserves. We all had such a great time in high school and middle school and supported each other so much. We always had a experience.
Betty had such a great personality she was a wonderful person qho icw known for many years RIP!