Bettye Johnson

Mrs. Bettye R. Johnson was born November 20, 1938, in Lexington, Tennessee to the union of Obie Flake and Luenell Carver Flake. She departed this peaceful life on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at her residence in Nashville Tennessee.

Bettye accepted Christ in her life at an early age and was united with The Holly Spring C.M.E. Church in Lexington. She relocated to Nashville and united with Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Charlie Hoge, after his passing, Rev. William E. Gardner and then the late Percy J. Clark.

Bettye received her formal education at Holly Spring and Montgomery High School in Lexington, Tn.

She met the love of her life Samuel Johnson, Jr. and this relationship began a formal union on April 5, 1961. 

Bettye was employed at Fisk University for 35 years in the Office of Student Affairs until she retired in 2003. In her spare time she enjoyed working in her garden, planting flowers and reading

Bettye was preceded in death by her father, Obie Flake, mother, Luenell Carver Flake, sister Carolyn Montaque and son, Phillip C. Halton.

Bettye leaves to cherish her sweet memories her loving and devoted husband Samuel Johnson, Jr., devoted daughter Rochelle L. Townsend and son-in-law Glen Townsend of Lavergne, TN. Daughter-in-law Loretta Harris of Charlotte, NC, grandchildren, Zuri Halton of Columbus, OH and Jordyn Halton and Nicholas Harris of Charlotte, NC. Five sisters Willie B. Hines of Hendersonville, TN, Gwendolyn Green of Lexington, TN, Lena Robinson of Nashville, TN, Wanda (Eugene) Cabknor of Nashville, TN, and Teresa (James Sr.) Carver of Nashville, TN. Three brothers Earl (Shirley) Flake, Obie (Rhonda) Flake Jr., and Larry (Brenda) Flake all of Lexington, TN. Four sisters-in-law Imogene Yarbrough, Leanna Gordon, Arlinda Johnson and Joy Johnson all of Lexington, TN and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins. Devoted friends Virgie Carver and Ella White and the entire Mt. Calvary Church Family.