Betty Jean Johnston

October 23, 1932 - September 9, 2026

Our tremendous loss is Heaven's great gain.

Betty Jean Johnston went home to be with the Lord on September 9, 2026, at her home in West Columbia, Texas. She was born on October 23, 1932, to George and Gladys Garner in England, Arkansas.

Betty was one of seven children and grew up on a dairy farm. There, she learned the merits of hard work, determination, strength, and excellence. In her 20s, Betty's older sister introduced her to the love of her life, Robert Johnston. She married her "soldier boy" on January 15, 1957. They were married for nearly 63 years and made a cheerful home in West Columbia, where they raised two daughters and later "adopted" a third.

A devoted wife, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Betty was the heart of the home. She was an excellent caregiver to numerous children throughout the years, many of whom affectionately called her Mamaw or Aunt Betty.

Betty enjoyed reading, knitting, sewing, gardening, and playing solitaire. She was also a great cook. Every Friday for nearly two decades, she served beans, cornbread, and her famous chocolate chip cookies in her home to men from all over the community.

Betty was the eldest and longest-standing member of the West Columbia Church of Christ. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor, with a perfect blend of sugar and spice, strength and gentleness, wit and wisdom. Betty was one of a kind, and the mark she left on the lives of so many can never be erased.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Johnston; her parents, George and Gladys Garner; her daughter, Peggy Daigle; her sisters, Mary McReynolds, Gladys Midgett, and Virginia Thompson; and her brothers, G.W. Garner and Johnny Garner.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Vickie Johnston and Patti Warneke and husband Sehon; her grandchildren, Kristie Daigle, Blake Warneke and wife Trina, and Stephanie Kerr and husband Alex; her great-grandchildren, Oliver, Jameson, Riley, and Lila; her brother, Charles Garner; and her brother-in-law, Buddy Midgett.

She is also survived by her beloved cat, Punkin, who was her faithful companion for many years.

Special thanks to her amazing neighbors, who loved and cared for her like family.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 17, at 2:00 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home.

Red was Betty's favorite color, and guests are encouraged to wear red in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice.