Betty J. (Johnson) Simmons was born on September 24, 1946, in Chicago Heights, IL to Walter Sr. and Essie Johnson.
Betty served in the United States Army from 1974-1994 in Italy, Germany, Korea and Texas. She ended her career as an E7 Sergeant First Class. Betty earned various metals and ribbons during her career. She went on to work for the VA Hospital from 1995 until she retired in April 30, 2014. Betty enjoyed the gift of life during her time here. Her passion was playing bingo with friends and traveling by cruise ship with friends and family. She also enjoyed working numbers for the lottery and football pools. Watching football and reading a good book were her favorite pastimes.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Reva (Tracy) McGrew from Killeen, TX and her son Benny Jr. (J.R.) Simmons; Three brothers Walter Jr. Johnson, Leo Johnson and Earl (Jody) Johnson; One sister Elizabeth (Arzell) Moore; Three grandchildren, Trae, Zakariah, and Ashari and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She also leaves special cousin, Florence Brooks and special friends Sue Brown, Sharon Whitehead and Elizabeth (Liz) Martin.
Betty passed on in her home on June 8, 2018 to be with the Lord. Preceding her in death were her parents and three brothers, Albert, Gregory, and Ricky.
Betty will always be remembered as a beloved member of her community as she remains in the hearts of those she encountered.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:30 am Thursday 6/24 at Crawford-Bowers, Killeen. A funeral procession will carry Betty to her final resting place at The Central Texas State Veteran's Cemetery. A reception will follow inurnment at the funeral home.
Somewhere in my heart beneath all my grief and pain,
Is a smile I still wear at the sound of your dear name.
The precious word is ‘MOTHER’, she was my world you see,
But now my heart is breaking cause she’s no longer here with me.
God chose her for His angel to watch me from above,
To guide me and advise me and know that I’m still loved.
The day she had to leave me when her life on earth was through,
God had better plans for her, for this, I surely knew.
When I think of her kind heart and all those loving years,
My memories surround me and I can’t hold back the tears.
She truly was my best friend, someone I could confide in,
She always had a tender touch and a warm and gentle grin.
I want to thank you Mother for teaching me so well,
And though the time has come that I must bid you this farewell.
I’ll remember all you’ve taught me and make you proud you’ll see.
Thank you my Dear Mother for all the love you showed me.
Although you’ve left this earth and now you’ve taken flight,
I know that you are here with me each morning, noon and night.
Love, Reva
