Elizabeth "Betty" (Johnston) Walker

Reidsville

Elizabeth Betty Johnston Walker, 82, of Stockbridge, GA, and formerly of both Savannah and Reidsville, GA, was born July 4, 1936 in Macon, GA and passed away October 2, 2018 in Stockbridge, GA.  She was the daughter of Mary Hamlin and Joe F. Johnston, Sr., of Reidsville.  She was married to Henry Gary Walker, of Savannah and formerly of Reidsville, for over 56 years.

After graduating Reidsville High School where she served as senior class president, Betty received her Associates degree from Middle Georgia College where she was on the swimming/diving team and played basketball.  She then majored in Art at the University of Georgia.  Later, she earned her Master’s degree in Media Science at Georgia Southern College.

Betty was a faithful member of Reidsville United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Church Chancel Choir, Director of Vacation Bible Schools, Sunday School Teacher along with various other church leadership positions.  She served as the Church Recording Secretary for approximately 30 years.

Throughout her 40-year career as an educator, Betty taught elementary grades, English in junior high, and became the media specialist for Reidsville High School.  She also served in numerous volunteer leadership positions as well.  She was selected to be the charter Advisor for the State YMCA of Georgia’s new Reidsville High and Junior High “Y” Club program.  In 1984, she became the media specialist at Juliette Lowe Elementary School in Savannah, GA.  She was honored after her years of service in the Tattnall County School System to return as a Co-Grand Marshall of Reidsville High School’s Homecoming Parade.

Her community service included but was not limited to President and longtime member of Beta Sigma Sorority.  While still teaching school, Betty became the owner of the Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio for several years in Reidsville.

Betty will be greatly missed by her family and many friends, and everyone is grateful for the love, time and support she was so well known for giving and offering to anyone she knew.  Her beautiful smile was contagious and made everyone around her feel comfortable and appreciated.  Caregivers and people would still say she was so cute even to the end when she was at doctor and hospital emergency visits just from her smile and saying thank you to everyone around her care.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, parents, and brother, Michael Johnston.  She is survived by her sons and their spouses and grandchildren, Kent (Diane) Walker, Kaley, Kent Jr. and Tyler; and Mark (Amy) Walker, McGarrah and Owen.  She leaves behind her brother and sister-in-law, Felix (Judy) Johnston and family, her sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Marty) Ward and family; and several nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are her brother-in-law and wife, Larry (Gail) Walker, children and grandchildren.

The family will receive friends beginning at  6:00pm Friday evening at Low Country Cremation and Burial.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, October 6, 2018 from the Reidsville United Methodist Church with the Reverend James McIlrath and Mrs. Lisa Trim officiating.  Interment will follow in the Reidsville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Eric Walker, Jeremy Walker, Bill Walker, Kent Walker, Jr., Tyler Walker and Owen Walker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Reidsville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 218, Reidsville, GA 30453.

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the family of Ms. Betty Walker.