Betty Jo City

Raised in Austin, Betty Jo attended Austin Public Schools and received her high school diploma from Johnston High School in 1978.

Betty Jo devoted her professional life to public service with Travis County, where she was employed with the Travis County Justice of the Peace as Lead County Clerk. Over a distinguished 30-year career, she served under Constable Don Nesby before later moving to the Justice of the Peace County Court as Lead Criminal Clerk, serving under Judge Richard Scott and later Judge Yvonne Williams. Betty Jo retired in December of 2015, closing a chapter marked by steady leadership, deep reliability, and a clear commitment to doing her work with care and integrity.

Beyond her career, Betty Jo gave generously of her time to young people and community life. She served as an active member of the Greater East Austin Youth Kickball Team and coached the Green Hornets for over a decade—an enduring reflection of her willingness to show up, guide, and encourage others with consistency and purpose.

Betty Jo accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Black’s Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of A.M. Patton. Her faith was not merely professed, but faithfully lived through years of service. She served as the Active Youth and Young Adult Director for over 25 years, meeting needs without hesitation and giving of herself with steadfast devotion. She drove the church vans for choir rehearsal and Sunday services and was often known to “strongly encourage” youth and young adults to serve God with their whole heart—an encouragement rooted in sincere conviction and unwavering care.

She was also an active member of the Austin Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, serving as the Youth and Young Adult Chapter Representative for over 20 years. Whether arranging transportation, sponsoring chapter fees, or providing whatever was needed, Betty Jo remained willing and available for her “young people,” offering support that was practical, faithful, and constant. She also loved her pastor, Lester Patton.

Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Burrell Williams and Sylvia Williams; her brother, Sylvester Williams; and her nephew, Ernest Wilson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Jo Ann Wilson; her brother, Burrell Williams; her god daughter, Linda Jewel Ward; and her son, Michael Johnson. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandsons, Justin Cameron, Joshua Cameron, Ashten Johnson, and Dylen Johnson; her granddaughter, Symphony Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.