Betty J. Johnson, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to heaven to be with our Lord and Savior on December 17, 2025, at the age of 80 in New Braunfels, TX.

Betty was born to parents John and Laura “Bea” Freeman in Oklahoma on August 26, 1945. She grew up with her brother Charles in the White City, NM area. She rode the bus to Carlsbad for school but sometimes had to walk home for misbehaving on the bus. In her younger years, she helped at her dad’s restaurant.

Betty met Herman “Randy” Johnson at Becky’s drive-in in Carlsbad after Randy got out of the Navy. They were married on November 29, 1963, at Clark Memorial Methodist Church. The two started their life at the Johnson Farm located outside of Artesia before moving into town. Together, they raised 4 children, Wade, Marcye, Johnny, and Shara, on the family farm where many of the kids’ best memories and stories were made. She was very active in her kids' lives: chasing them to all their events, making offhanded remarks to embarrass her children, and always whipping them into shape. Betty and Randy shared 62 exciting years of marriage and almost four divorces.

Betty bartended at the Elks Lodge and the Waterhole for about ten years before she retired. As a bartender, she served cold beer and sharp remarks to all of her patrons. One night, she was pulled over by a cop and got her sweet revenge by refusing to serve him the next weekend at the Police Christmas Party. Betty was uncompromising, but everyone loved her.

Betty and her best friend Marilyn were two parts Golden Girls, one part trouble. They enjoyed attending Fanfare in Nashville every year, traveling the world, and going on country music cruises. Some of Betty’s favorite places in America were Civil War historical sites, Yellowstone National Park, Dollywood, Ireland and Montana. Betty would bring guitars for the country stars to sign. She had 8 guitars filled with signatures from George Strait, Willy Nelson, Blake Shelton, and many, many more.

Betty only functioned on Coca-Cola. All of her grandkids would drink from her McDonald's cup because Grandma’s Coke always tasted better. She loved her Oakland Raiders, but her real pleasure was cheering loudly for whoever was playing against the Dallas Cowboys. In her free time, she watched old westerns and black and white movies where she knew all the actors. All the grandkids have homemade cross-stitched Christmas stockings made by Betty with love. She enjoyed puzzles, bingo, bowling, and listening and singing along to Willie's Roadhouse on Sirius XM. She was a collector of items and made sure to share all of her treasures with her family. She was the best cook and always made sure that everyone who walked into her home was fed. When Betty was on the Johnson Farm, she was cooking three delicious meals every day for the workers and her family. The family was always excited for her wine cake or peanut butter pie at family gatherings.

Betty will be remembered for her Coca-Cola, sassiness, orneriness, throwing shoes at unsuspecting targets, unsolicited advice, and above all, being the glue of the family. She loved and supported every single member of the family. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she made each one of them feel like they were her favorite, and they believed it.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, John and Laura “Bea” Freeman; her brother, Charles Budzinsky; and her son, Johnny Johnson.

Betty’s legacy will be continued to be celebrated by her husband Herman “Randy” Johnson of Artesia, NM; children, Wade (CarrieAnn) Johnson of Artesia, NM, Marcye (Andy) Davis of Artesia, NM, and Shara (John) Guajardo of New Braunfels, TX; 10 grandchildren, Brandi (Albert) Ruezga, Seth (Kelly) Smith, Johnathan (Marlene) Johnson, Randi (Eric) Kirkpatrick, Brodi Johnson, Candice Perez, Brooke (Todd) Buroff, Avery Johnson, Kiara (Sam Castillo) Johnson, and Ory Johnson; 17 great-grandchildren, Sky, Gus, Tre, Harlow, Swayze, Kalli, Krosslyn, Ariana, Koleigha, Kruze, Kaleigh, Kadymn, Jett, Kacelyn, Jairus, Jonas & Onyx; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.