Obituary of Betty Johnson

Betty ("BJ") Johnson, passed away on Tuesday, Apr. 26, 2016, at Briarwood Healthcare Center, Iowa City. She was 86. Betty was born October 11, 1929 in Iowa City, the eldest daughter of Merrell and Edna (Harding) Johnson. She graduated from Iowa City High School in 1949, and graduated from Iowa City Business College in 1951, where she received training in secretarial studies. (Betty wrote shorthand at an amazing 120 words per minute.) She began her working career at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis later in 1951, returning to Iowa City in 1952, when she started working for the University of Iowa Hospitals. She worked in both the Radiology then Urology Departments, retiring in 1994, after 42 years of service with the UIHC. BJ loved to travel, including many trips around Iowa and the Midwest, as well as visiting California, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Canada. She also travelled to England and Ireland, by far her favorite trip. She enjoyed many kinds of movies and music, particularly singing, and was an excellent cook. She was also an accomplished photographer. She loved wildlife and animals, especially her beloved cats. Most of all, Betty enjoyed spending time with family and friends. The family wishes to thank the staff and administration of Briarwood for their kindness and excellent care provided, and thanks also for the care provided by Iowa City Hospice. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Merrell and Edna (Harding) Johnson, a sister, Charlotte (Johnson) Wohlenberg, and nephews Wayne Rafferty and David Wohlenberg. She is survived by her other sister, Oney Meryl Anne Johnson, of Coralville, nephew Mike Rafferty, also of Coralville, niece Rebecca (Kent) Pearson, of North Liberty, and many cousins and other relatives. Respecting Betty’s wishes, a time of remembering her life will be held privately.