Betsy Johnson

Betsy Hooks Johnson, 88, of Fremont, NC, entered into the presence of her Lord on August 18, 2025.

Betsy was born in Fremont, NC, to the late Charles and Cora Yelverton Hooks.  Betsy’s life was deeply rooted in Wayne County, the embrace of her family, and the fellowship of her church. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Leroy Johnson, with whom she shared 66 years of devotion before his passing in May 2023. Together, they built not only a home but a legacy of faith, love, and family—the greatest joy of Betsy’s life. Betsy is also preceded in death by her brother and sister, Taylor and Suzanne Hooks.

Betsy and Leroy were blessed with four children: the late Mark Johnson (1959–1999); Lynn and Scott Hill of Wilson, NC; Doug and Cindy Johnson of Fremont, NC; and Elizabeth and David Blanton of Lynchburg, VA.

She was the proud and tender grandmother of nine: Jennifer Johnson of Montclair, NJ; Megan Johnson and Fernando Figueroa of Los Angeles, CA; Amy Johnson and Matthew King of Wake Forest, NC; Prescott and Megan Hill of Wilson, NC; Douglas Johnson, Jr. of Greenville, SC; Michael and Heather Johnson of N. Topsail Beach, NC; Katie and Heath Smith of Raleigh, NC; Ethan and Autumn Blanton of Lynchburg, VA; and Anna and Hunter Hamilton of Cookeville, TN. Betsy’s joy multiplied with the arrival of eight great-grandchildren, each of whom lit up her heart and carries her love forward.

A woman of unwavering faith and remarkable perseverance, Betsy survived breast cancer with quiet courage, inspiring all who knew her with her strength, grace, and trust in God’s goodness. She loved the Lord deeply, cherished her church family, and found delight in the simple blessings of life—playing Bridge with dear friends, tending her flowers, reading good books, and working puzzles with steady patience.

Betsy especially treasured the twenty-five years she and Leroy spent by the waters of the Neuse River in New Bern, NC, where Betsy faithfully attended Centenary United Methodist Church. Yet her deepest roots remained in Wayne County, where she served her community with distinction as the first female County Commissioner (1987–1992).

To those who knew her, Betsy will be remembered for her kindness, her steadfast devotion to her family, and her faith that never wavered. She leaves behind a legacy not measured only in years, but in the lives she touched and the love she poured into all around her.

Her family holds deep gratitude for the caregivers who, with devotion and tenderness, walked alongside Betsy and Leroy in their final years.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm in the sanctuary of Fremont United Methodist Church, with a reception following in the fellowship hall. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to B2BU Ministries at www.b2buministries.org

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com