of Bryant, AR
November 13, 1922 - August 1, 2008
Bethel (Beth) Armstrong Johnson went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, August 1, 2008. She was born November 13, 1922 in Vick, Arkansas to Dr. Jesse Armstrong and Mrs. Ina Ferguson Armstrong.
Beth graduated from Hermitage High School in 1941 and attended Draughon's Business College in Little Rock before marrying her high school sweetheart, James (Pete) Patterson Johnson, February 5, 1944. She then moved to San Francisco while Pete served in the US Coast Guard during World War II. They returned to Little Rock where she gave birth to her only son Jamey Johnson in 1947.
Beth was an active member of Gaines Street Baptist Church until 1960 when she and her family moved to Benton, Arkansas. She transferred her membership to First Baptist Church where she was a long time member of Woman's Missionary Union and taught Sunday school to eight year-old children for many years. She also enjoyed gardening and flower shows and was a member of Saline County Garden Club.
In 1970, Beth and her husband opened Johnson's Restaurant on I-30 where they served home cooked meals and quickly became one of the most popular restaurants in Saline County. They sold the restaurant in 1978 when Beth was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosis, a disease which later resulted in Beth losing her eye sight.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Frances Armstrong Bell.
She is survived by her husband Pete Johnson of Bryant, her son Jamey Johnson and wife Janet of Bryant; two grandsons, Jordan Johnson and wife Angie of Little Rock, and Jarrod Johnson of Bryant; and a great-grandson, Patterson Johnson of Little Rock.
Her family remembers her as an independent and devoted Christian who valued her family as the greatest gift of life.
Visitation for family and friends will be held, Monday, August 4, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, 306 South Main Street; Benton, Arkansas, followed by a Memorial Service, Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Benton, with Brother Eric Roberts officiating. Interment will follow at Forrest Hills Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Martindale and his staff as well as the staff at Saline Memorial Bryant Hospice for their exceptional care and support for Beth during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 211 South Market Street; Benton, Arkansas, 72015.
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13 Condolence(s)
Don Gus Opitz
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Dear Mr. Pete, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It was very nice to visit with you while at Saline Memorial Hospice. You sir are a fine fellow. I'm so sorry for your loss. Paul wrote these words in Philippians 4:4-7 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." NIV - New Testament
Tommie Adams
Monday, August 4, 2008
These verses are about Mrs. Beth Proverbs 31 25 thru 33. Pete you and I walk in same shoes, but we go down differnt roads. Your family has always been special to me and my family Love to you all TA
Del and Peggy Roberson
Monday, August 4, 2008
We remember many great meals in your restaurant along with my parents, Lonnie and Laura Tull. Please accept our sincere sympathy during this time in your life.
Dave & Susie Conrad
Monday, August 4, 2008
Dear Jordan,
Grandmothers are often the most loving and compassionate members of a family. They give so much and expect little in return. Certainly your loving memories of your grandmother will outweigh the sorrow you feel right now. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Saline Memorial Hospice
Monday, August 4, 2008
My thoughts are with you.
Barbara Hamby - Hospice Volunteer
Kevin Gardner
Monday, August 4, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Delayne Rushing
Monday, August 4, 2008
Mr. Johnson:
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. My family met you at the Hospice House in Bryant while my father, George Mills was also there. You looked after your wife in such a gentle and kind way.
I will be praying for you and your family.
Delayne Rushing
George and Kathy Wheatley
Monday, August 4, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Saline Memorial Hospice
Monday, August 4, 2008
The entire staff of Saline Memorial Hospice extends our sincerest condolences with the loss of Mrs. Johnson. Thank you for gracing us with her presence.
May your memories and love give your family peace for this day and strength for your tomorrows.
Jack and Betty England
Monday, August 4, 2008
With deepest sympathy,
Jack and Betty England
Phyllis Tucker
Monday, August 4, 2008
To the Johnson family,
My thoughts and prayers are with during this time of loss. I met Mr. and Mrs. Johnson many years ago
when I moved to the Edgewood subdivision. I always enjoyed visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Johnson when I saw them in the neighborhood.
frances McNeil
Saturday, August 2, 2008
We ate lots and lots of meals at the Johnson's restaurant and will always remember the hospilitality Mr and Mrs J extended us us and our children. Our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Frances McNeil
Saline Memorial Hospital
Saturday, August 2, 2008
To the family of Mrs. Johnson Our thoughts and prayers go to each of you during this time. Thank you for allowing us to care for her, for this we were truly BLESSED. May all the very SPECIAL memories you all have help thru this time and all the days to follow.
The 5th floor staff of Saline Memorial