Betty Jean (Paige) Johnson

Betty J. Johnson (Ms. BJ, Granny) was born on February 20, 1934, in Cotton Plant Arkansas, to the late Searcy Lee and Ernest Paige. Betty was the oldest of fraternal twin girls. She had two older siblings, Pauline, and Paul; and two younger brothers, Sonny (Edroy) and David. A

Betty moved to Alton Illinois after graduation to pursue education in the medical field. While living in Alton with her sister Pauline she met and married the love of her life, Daniel David Johnson Jr. in 1954. That union produced three children, Vivian Lynn, Daniel David III, and Marcia Louise.

Betty relocated to Cleveland Ohio in 1965, where she lived out her life. Betty was employed at Bobby Brooks and retired from University Hospitals after 26 years. Betty was an active member of St. Matthew UMC. She held various positions such as: PPR committee chair and member; Stewardship committee Chair and member; Lay Speaker; Communion Steward; Lay member to Annual Conference; UMC Women; and choir member. She also participated in Bible study, Sunday school and ministries like Wednesday Connections, and Vacation Bible School. Betty also loved her hometown of Cotton Plant Arkansas, she returned annually to celebrate "COTTON PLANT DAY". Betty was involved in the Cotton Plant Club of Chicago and was very active in the High Brow Social Club.

Betty was a community activist, philanthropist, a gardener, and neighborhood Granny. The neighborhood kids knew where they could always get a popsicle on a hot summer day. After months of illness Betty was called home on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Betty is preceded in death by her father, Ernest Paige; her mother, Searcy Lee Paige; her sisters, Barbara Lee, and Pauline Dunlap; her brothers, Edroy (Sonny) Paige, David Paige, and Paul Valentine. And her husband, Daniel David Johnson Jr.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory, her three (3) children, Vivian Catchings-El, Cleveland, Ohio; Daniel David Johnson III (Doris), Duvall Washington; Marcia Artino (John), Cleveland, Ohio; Four (4) grandchildren, Phillip Catchings-El, Cleveland, Ohio; Khalilah Shelton (Ben) Las Vegas Nevada; Marshay Harris, Cleveland, Ohio; Fredric Newett (Victoria), Cleveland, Ohio; Eight (8) great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.