Betty Joyce Duran Johnson's Obituary
Betty Joyce (Duran) Johnson, 92, of Longview went home to be with the Lord on March 11, 2024. She was born in Pine Hill, Texas on November 27, 1931, and was raised on a cotton farm during the Great Depression. She graduated from Henderson High School in 1950 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1953 while her husband was away serving in Korea. She began her teaching career in Gladewater but spent the majority of her career with the Longview ISD teaching PE, health, and history at Judson Middle School, serving her final years there as the librarian. She was a member of New Journey Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Longview (formerly First Cumberland Presbyterian Church) where she served in many roles. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She was the last surviving child of John Wylie ‘Jack’ and Era Lee (Conway) Duran’s nine children. Her death marks the end of a generation of Duran children who were raised with strong Christian values, unwavering devotion to family, and a deep patriotic spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 49 years, Virdell, and eight siblings. She is survived by her three children, Gary (Gayle) Johnson of Longview, Randy Johnson of Longview, Katy (Paul) Stoll of West Dundee, IL, three grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, other special grand and great grandchildren of her heart, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Betty will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview on Friday, March 15th from 4 pm to 6 pm. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 16 at 10:30 am at New Journey Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow with a graveside service at 1 pm at Memorial Gardens in Henderson, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Journey Cumberland Presbyterian Church or Hospice Plus of Longview.
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