Bettie Jean Williams Johnson was born May 30, 1940 to Sanford "Buddy" Williams and Wilma  Jones Williams, in Huntsville, Texas. Bettie was raised by her grandparents Bill and Ida Williams, following the untimely death of her mother at the age of 25.

Bettie graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1958.

Bettie united in holy matrimony on August 3, 1962 with Harvey Leon Johnson. This union produced three children.

Bettie had a long career working for Sam Houston State University and Huntsville ISD. She later retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Michael Johnson Sr. (Stephanie); of Hockley, Texas, Tara Arrasmith (Raymond); of Katy, Texas, and Algria Ree Johnson; of Huntsville, Texas; grandsons: Curtis Shorts; of Huntsville, Texas and Michael Johnson Jr.; of Dallas, Texas; three great-grandchildren; sisters: Frankie Hightower (Earl) and Jessie Hightower (Wilbert Sr.); both of Huntsville, Texas, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.