Betty Jo Pitzer Johnson, 82, of Alderson, WV, passed on to her eternal rest on Saturday, July 26, 2014, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Fairlea, WV, following a short illness.
Born August 10, 1931, in Alderson, she was the daughter of the later Marshall E. and Grace Hoke Pitzer.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert Marshall Johnson in 1971 at 17 years of age; a sister, Hazel Pitzer; a brother, Harold Pitzer; and a beloved niece, Bobbie Gwinn.
Betty is survived by her husband of 63 years, James E. Johnson of Alderson; a son, Thomas H. Johnson and wife, Terri, of Lewisburg, WV; a daughter, Barbara J. Sanders and husband, David, of Alderson; a sister, Jean P. Gwinn of Alderson; a granddaughter, Cheri J. Grigsby and husband, Mark, of Morgantown, WV, and their children, Betty’s grandsons, Chase and Andrew; a grandson, Michael James Johnson of Lewisburg; and many nieces and nephews.
Betty grew up and lived her life in Alderson and the Alderson area. She graduated from Alderson High School in 1949 and Concord College in 1951. She taught vocational home economics for three years at Alderson High School, then worked at the Federal Prison Camp for 20 years as a case worker and a vocational teacher, where she received the rank of master teacher and other recognitions until her retirement in 1981. She and her family lived and farmed at Eastview Farm on Blue Sulphur Springs Road for 48 years, retiring back to Alderson in 2006.
She was very active in many civic clubs and organizations. Betty was past president of the Alderson Community Center, where she spent many years raising funds and getting grants for equipment, a new roof, handicapped accessibility, and organizing a successful community center.
She cofounded the Alderson Quilters and Crafters Club, was a long-time member of the Blue Sulphur CEOS Club, the Alderson Woman’s Club, the Alderson Bridge Club, and was a past member of the Phi Kappa Gamma Sorority. She was also a 4-H Club leader.
Betty was a member of the Alderson Presbyterian Church, where her talents were put to good use. She served as the church organist for 25 years, had a beautiful voice, and was a church elder for many years.
Her skills with a needle and a sewing machine were second to none. She taught many how to sew and make clothing. Her “Best of Show” quilt at the WV State Fair one year was exhibited nationally. She also judged the sewing exhibits at the State Fair several times. She loved cooking, entertaining her family and friends, antiquing, and traveling.
The family would like to recognize and thank the caregivers and staff at the Greenbrier Manor, where she had resided the last few month.
Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, at 11 AM at the Alderson Presbyterian Church in Alderson with the Rev. Lanny Howe officiating. Burial will follow at the Old Greenbrier Memorial Cemetery in Alderson.
Friends may call Tuesday, July 29, from 6-8 PM at the Lobban Funeral Home in Alderson and one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to the Alderson Community Center, P.O. Box 552, Alderson, WV 24910; the Alderson Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 126, Alderson, WV 24901; or to the charity of their choice. Lobban Funeral Home in Alderson is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the July 29, 2014 edition of the West Virginia Daily News.
