Bettye Elizabeth Johnson

Born on January 20, 1934, in Humboldt, Tennessee, to William Blair Stanfield Sr. and Earlee Gray (Pack), Bettye was raised with strong faith, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.

She graduated from Stigall High School in Humboldt, Tennessee, and from a young age found joy in basketball, nursing, cooking, and caring for people—gifts that would quietly guide every season of

her life.

Bettye held many jobs throughout her life, but she often said her proudest title was being a bus driver for Indianapolis Public Schools. She made history as the first woman—and the first Black

woman—to serve in that role, stepping forward with courage during a time shortly after school desegregation. True to who she was, she never sought recognition; she simply did what needed to be done and did it with dignity.

To her family, however, her greatest title was Nanny. That name meant safety, wisdom, correction, laughter, and unconditional love. Nanny was the anchor—the one who made things feel okay again.

Her home felt like refuge, her voice like reassurance, and her presence like peace. When conflict or pain arose, Nanny’s words were simple and steady: “Just forgive, baby, and go on.” That was how she lived, and that was how she loved.

A devoted woman of faith, Nanny was a longtime and faithful member of Phillip Temple Church, where she worshiped consistently and lived out her beliefs beyond the church walls. Her favorite scripture, Psalm 23, reflected the way she walked through life—with trust, grace, and quiet strength. Her faith showed not just in prayer, but in how she forgave, how she served, and how she

cared for others.

She found joy in church, cooking meals that brought everyone to the table, tending to her garden, running marathons, and caring for others without hesitation. Sundays were sacred—filled with the

smells of food cooking, family gathered in the kitchen, and the familiar sight of Nanny getting dressed with quiet elegance for worship or tea club gatherings, always finished with one of her

signature hats.

Nanny’s heart extended far beyond her family. She founded the Broadway Youth Block Club, teaching neighborhood children pride, responsibility, and love for where they lived. She gave freely

—her time, her wisdom, her care—never asking for anything in return. Her generosity was unconditional, her love unmeasured.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Blair Stanfield Sr. and Earlee Gray (Pack); her daughter, Pamela Jones; her brothers William B. Stanfield Jr., Tommy L. Stanfield, and Gregory E.

Stanfield; her sisters Linda M. Stanfield and Donna J. Stanfield; and dear loved ones Eddie James Jackson and Fannie Mae Harris (Jackson).

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Milan Johnson Jr. and Brigitte Johnson; her brother, Sherman M. Stanfield, MIchael Gray; her sisters, Cheri J. Stanfield, Tammy L. Stanfield-Knox Marsha Ferguson; and her grandchildren Derrick Bush Sr., Ashley Johnson, James “Jimmy” Mitchell Jr., Celeste Johnson, Drew Johnson, Simeon Johnson, Keenyn Perry Jr., Keyon Perry, Jazmine Jones, Deyvon Jones, and Heavyon Jones—each one carrying a piece of Nanny with them.

She also leaves behind treasured friends and chosen family, including Sandra Jean Thomas, Anna Brooks (her beloved “hat friend”), Ruth Ratcliff, Jessie Person, and many others whose lives were made better simply by knowing her.

Life Summary

Nanny lived a life rooted in love and faith. She was strong yet gentle, firm yet forgiving, and always led with her heart. She chose peace over bitterness, grace over judgment, and love above all else.

Her presence was a blessing, her guidance a gift, and her words will echo through generations: “Just forgive, baby, and go on.”

Service Information

Services will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home on February 13, 2026.

Viewing: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Service: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

A repast will follow the service.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to those who walked beside Nanny with care and love Oluseyi O. Orogun, Brigitte Johnson, Keenyn Perry Jr., Keyon Perry, Deja Bush, Carolyn Holder, Jan

AbdulRahim, Sherry Williams, Tonya Owens, Tasha Ellis, Tina Reed "BESTIE" and Cali The Best Fur Baby EVER.

Bettye Elizabeth Johnson—forever Nanny—has answered her final call. As she believed and lived,

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Her love remains, her lessons endure, and her spirit will walk beside us always