Betty Johnson

Betty Coles Johnson, 88, passed away on May 31, 2021, in Nashville, TN. She is survived by her husband, William Weakley “Bill” Johnson, Jr., daughters Linda Johnson Hoehn (Richard) and Diane Johnson Perry (Tim), sons William “Bill” Johnson, III (Stacy) and Steve Johnson (Glenna), nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Betty was born in 1932 to the late John H. Coles, Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Shelton Coles and is younger sister to the late Dr. John H. Coles III. A lifelong Nashvillian, she graduated from Stokes School and Hillsboro High School and attended Ward-Belmont College.

In 1952, Betty married her soulmate, Bill Johnson. Together they raised their family in the love and admonition of Christ. She shared generously with everyone who crossed their threshold, and countless folks considered the Johnson home their own.

Known affectionately as Mimi to her family, Betty lived to share and encourage them—and everyone she met—with her love of the Lord. She was quick to smile, faithful in service, merciful in spirit and abundant in giving.

Betty cherished her bonds of friendship, particularly the devotion of her best friend, the late Barbara White Fridrich. Her sewing club has gathered for over four decades. She was a loyal member of the Centennial Club, Green Valley Garden Club and Fannie Battle Caroling Committee. She volunteered with Meals-on-Wheels and throughout the founding of Franklin Road Academy.

Betty was a 65-year member of Woodmont Christian Church, where she served as Sunday School teacher, circle leader and 25-year volunteer wedding director.

The family extends special thanks to the caring doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt Oncology and the Trauma Team at Vanderbilt Hospital.

Visitation with the family is at Woodmont Christian Church on Friday, June 4, from 10:00-12:00 followed by funeral services in the sanctuary at noon. The burial will be held at Triune Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Woodmont Christian Church 3601 Hillsboro Pike Nashville 37215 or the Bordeaux Eagles 1430 Puryear Place Brentwood 37027.