Betty Lou Johnston
Betty Lou Johnston, 87, of Bakersfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at her home with her family.
She was born on August 6, 1938, in Vidette, Arkansas, to Bert Brown and Nora (Johnson) Brown. On August 30, 1958, Betty was united in marriage to Guy Charles Johnston in Viola, Arkansas. Their life together was marked by love, family, and faithful devotion.
Betty deeply loved her family, and her greatest joy was spending time with them, especially her grandchildren. She was known for her warm hospitality and her love of cooking. Family dinners, particularly Sunday dinners, were special occasions where she delighted in bringing everyone together around the table. She had a thoughtful way of caring for others through food, always making sure there was something everyone would enjoy.
Betty was also known among her friends for her homemade cinnamon rolls, which she loved to bake and share. She found joy in simple pleasures such as working in her yard and especially enjoyed mowing her lawn. Serving others and making people happy came naturally to her.
Music was another special part of Betty’s life. She loved to sing and found great joy in singing at church. She held fond memories of singing with her twin sister when they were younger, moments that remained close to her heart throughout her life.
Betty was a faithful member of Pottersville Baptist Church. She placed her faith in Jesus Christ at a young age while living in Vidette, Arkansas, a decision that shaped her life and guided her love for others.
She is survived by four children, Sonja McKee and friend Steve Hall of Glencoe, Arkansas, Randy Johnston and wife Linda of Bakersfield, Missouri, Brian Johnston and wife Suzanna of Pottersville, Missouri, and Brandon Johnston and wife Anna of Bakersfield, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Jeremy McKee and wife Kasey, Kirsten Jarvis and husband Jeremy, Drew McKee and wife Kristen, Chelsea Johnston, Clayton Johnston and wife Johannah, Adrian Harvey and husband Chris, Hunter Johnston and wife LeeEtta, Gracie Neal and husband Alex, and Arlyn Johnston; ten great-grandchildren, Tate McKee, Londyn McKee, Bryton Jarvis, Eli Jarvis, Willow McKee, Hallie McKee, Josie McKee, Hadley Johnston, Cord Johnston, and Iyla McKee; one great-great-grandchild, Brinley; one twin sister, Evelyn Smith; special friends, Carl and Mary Lou Ward, Tracy Beam, and Gwenda Belt; and many nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, one son, Terry Brown, twin grandsons, Lance and Colby McKee, and five siblings preceded her in death.