Betty Dupree Johnson

Betty D. Johnson

Betty Jane Johnson (née Dupree), aged 83, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024 at 11:57 AM at AdventHealth Hospital (East), surrounded by her family and loved ones. She entered this world on January 4, 1941, in Pinehurst, Georgia, the cherished daughter of James Ira Dupree Sr. and Esther Geraldine Brown.

Betty received her education from the esteemed institutions of Pinehurst High School, Vienna High School, and furthered her academia at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the University of Georgia (Bachelor of Business Administration), and later Valencia Community College, West Campus (Ornamental Horticulture Technology).

Her diverse work life included roles as an office manager in a medical practice, a key staff member at Warner Robins Airforce Base, a full time homemaker, a horticulturalist at Harry P. Leu Gardens, and a personal secretary in Valencia Community College's horticulture department. Betty's early dream of taking to the skies as a flight attendant illustrated her adventurous spirit and zest for life.

A Methodist, Betty wore her favorite Bible scripture in a pendant/necklace containing a single mustard seed and the scripture, "have faith as a grain of mustard seed…nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matthew 17:20)

Her personal joys included tending to her beloved garden, watching the various birds and wildlife that frequented her backyard, and engaging her mind with Sudoku puzzles. She held a particular fondness for African violets and owls, amassing a noteworthy collection of owls that brought her immense pleasure.

A high school paper prophesied, "Betty Dupree who was real quiet in school now has a house full of kids who do not take after their mother", could not have been more accurate. "I've had a good life. I married the man I loved and had you four kids." She always knew she wanted four children. She was a loving, caring, selfless, and nurturing Mom. She was smart and honest. She was strong willed and hardworking and instilled those traits in her children with her credo, "Do it well or not at all." She had a fantastic sense of humor and a wonderful middle Georgia accent. She had a lovely smile, slate blue eyes, and a great head of hair. Her appearance matched her soul, beautiful.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories to her surviving family members: her son, Kyle Johnson (Sandra, wife), her daughters Alicia Johnson Brewer (Chuck, husband), Desiree Johnson, and Sunde Johnson; and her grandchildren, Robert Donovan Johnson (Heather Michelle Melanson, life partner), Jessica Christie Carrasquillo, Jason Alexander Johnson, Emily Hope Johnson, and her most beloved cat, Tuffy "Wild" Cat. She now rejoins in eternal peace her late husband, Robert Harris Johnson (m. August 2, 1964), her parents, and her siblings, James Ira Dupree Jr., Richard Welman Dupree, and Gene Tunny Dupree, who preceded her in passing.

Honoring her final wishes, Betty will be cremated with her ashes to be lovingly scattered at the family farm in Pinehurst. This touching gesture brings her journey full circle to the place of her upbringing which held such a special place in her heart.

The staff of Newcomer in Orlando, Florida, has provided their compassionate services for Betty's respectful and dignified farewell. Her memory will be revered and her presence deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.