Bettye Barnes Johnson

Bettye Barnes Johnson was born in Tishomingo County, Mississippi on September 25, 1935, to Dewey Bryson and Thunia Cole Barnes. Her family was unique in that, in the ways of children, her mother and father were soley blessed with 10 strong, beautiful daughters. Bettye was born third in line.

Bettye was united in marriage to James Gordon Johnson on October 24, 1953. Seldom were they separated, by choice, from that day forward. She was involved in many community based activities over the years in her hometown of Counce, Tennessee. She was a proud member of the Volunteer Fire Department of Counce, delivered Meals on Wheels, frequently volunteered at the original Pickwick Southside School, and was always involved in the activities at Pisgah United Methodist Church.

Bettye found the most joy in children and the outdoors. These two loves she often combined. Her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews can lovingly share memories of her teaching them about the outdoors. She loved rock hunting and playing on the creek bank. The way she combined her knowledge of nature with her wealth of folklore was extraordinary.

She departed this life on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at the age of 83 years, 11 months, and 30 days.

Bettye is survived by her husband, James Gordon Johnson; her son, Phil Johnson and his wife Jenifer; her daughter, Sally Jenkins; her grandchildren, Cassie Tidwell and her husband Josh, Jacob Johnson and his wife Alyce, Evan Johnson, Will Browder, and Ashley Browder; her great grandsons, Laiden, Job and Greer; all of Counce, Tennessee.

She is also survived by her sisters, Bonnie Stahl of Corinth, Mississippi, Donna Hopkins of Eastview, Tennessee, Doris Willis and her husband Bob of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Cleda Rencher of Kossuth, Mississippi, Peggy Cooksey and her husband Tommy of Counce, Tennessee, Tommie Nell Barnes of Counce, Tennessee, and Pat Dexter and her husband Stan of Iuka, Mississippi.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Kathryn Voyles and Thressia "Tess" Jobe.