Betty Reece Johnston

Betty Reece Johnston, 96, passed away on October 22, 2021. Betty was born in Bluefield, West Virginia and grew up in Asheville, NC. She attended McMurray College in Illinois and the University of Alabama, where she met her future husband, Reese Johnston. After graduation, Betty moved to Birmingham where she worked for several years as a home economist with the Birmingham Electric Company, which later became Alabama Power Company, before retiring to raise her family. Over the years, Betty was a member of the Sophisticates Dance Club, Birmingham Bar Auxiliary, the Country Garden Club, a supper club, and several bridge clubs, belonging to one bridge club for more than 50 years. She was interested in everything and loved traveling and meeting new people. She and Reese visited many places, both here and abroad, throughout the years. Betty was a long time member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for a number of years. She was also a long time supporter of the Birmingham Humane Society and Museum of Art, Aldridge Gardens, public television and radio, the Alabama Symphony, and other local organizations. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and was adored by her family as well as by her many friends and acquaintances. Most recently Betty lived at Brookdale Place, where she was involved in numerous activities and acted as an ambassador to help welcome new residents. She enjoyed entertaining, playing bridge, and serving on numerous committees. Betty was predeceased by her husband, J. Reese Johnston, Jr, and her parents, Robert and Bess Reece. She is survived by her daughters Robin Bahakel (John) and Anna Whitney (Ron), her grandchildren Amanda Foshee (Doug) and Cole Bahakel (Hannah), as well as her great grandchildren John and James Foshee. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the above organizations that Betty supported. Arrangements: Friends and family are cordially invited to a visitation Monday, October 25, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the Chapel of the Mausoleum at Elmwood Cemetery and a service will follow at 11:00 AM in the same location. Covid protocols will be followed.