Betty Johnson, 81, of Waco, passed from this world Sunday, July 15, 2018 at her home.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 20th at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21st at Lake Shore Funeral Home with Pastor Pat Dietrich officiating
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery
Betty was born December 30, 1936, in Gorman to Leonard Thompson and Nettie Mae Denton Thompson. In 1955, shortly after graduation she told her parents she wasn’t staying in DeLeon, Texas, so her mother packed up the family and they all moved to Waco. She worked as a car-hop on the Circle serving beer, but eventually “gave up the good tips” to become a bookkeeper for Woods Brothers.
She married, raised her daughter and worked several bookkeeping and sales jobs before taking a position at Baylor University in the early 1980s. She retired from Moody Library at Baylor after 23 years. Many students fondly remember her as the director of security in the library, walking the floors of Moody talking to students, and even though she was security, she would often help them locate books. Retirement didn’t last long for Betty. She worked another 8 years as the executive secretary of the Waco Founder Lions Club.
She made everyone welcome in her home and often cooked for her daughter and family. She claimed she wasn’t a very good cook but no one agreed with her. She made the best waffles and fried chicken, we just couldn’t get her to make them at the same time. Too much work she said.
Her pets gave her great joy and she rescued so many through the years. She taught her family to have confidence and believe in themselves, but most importantly she taught them that it’s all about the love and relationships in life that matter the most. She believed that love was in actions, not words and she constantly showed us how much she loved us.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Joe Thompson and AL Thompson.
She will be missed beyond words by her daughter and only child, Sharon Johnson Gripp and husband, Lyle; grandson, Ian Bracken; granddaughter, Megan Gripp; and cousins and nephews.
Memorials can be made to marcpets.org/volunteer.html or the Central Texas Humane Society or any animal rescue of your choosing.
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Sharon,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Betty. I enjoyed working with her in Moody Library for several years.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and the rest of your family.
Sincerely,
Brenda Anderson
Thank you for your kind words. She spoke of you fondly and enjoyed working with you also.
Sharon
Sharon, I am deeply sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers. I worked with Betty for many years at Baylor. Betty was my good friend and I love her very much. We had lunch about three weeks ago and we had a wonderful time. Like always, when we are together, the time flew by so fast. Before we went our separate ways, we hugged and I told her I loved her and she told me she loved me. I didn’t know that would be the last time I would see her. Your mother loved you so much and would often mention how proud she was of you. I pray God would comfort you and give you strength.
Martha,
My mother was just telling me the other day that you guys had lunch and how nice it was to see you. I know she always enjoyed working with you, watching your girls grow up and keeping up with you after she retired from Baylor. She was not only a source of strength and support for me, but for many other people. She was special. Thank you for you kind words. Nothing will ever replace her
Sharon.
Sharon–
You are in my thoughts and prayers for the loss of Ms. Betty. I will surely miss her visits to the clinic.
Love,
Debbie–Northside Animal Hospital
Thank you, Debbie. She was up and going until the last minute, the way she would have wanted it.
Sharon
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked as a student assistant in Moody for two years as a student at Baylor. Ms. Betty was always pleasant and reassuring. I am grateful for my time as a work study student and for the privilege of knowing Ms. Betty. I pray God’s peace and comfort over you during this time.
Brandon Hubbard
Thank you, Brandon. Your kind words are so appreciated. She so enjoyed working and getting to know students throughout her time at Baylor. They often would recognize her when we were out and come and talk to her and say I remember you when I was a student at Baylor. She appreciated that.
Blessings to you,
Sharon