Betty Jean (Johnson) Lawson

Betty Jean Johnson Lawson, age 90, formerly of Indian Mound Drive, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Pioneer Trace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Flemingsburg, Kentucky.

Betty was born on August 12, 1934, in Bourbon County, Kentucky, to the late Jim Will Johnson and June Utterback Johnson. The youngest daughter in a family of 14 children, she grew up surrounded by love, hard work, and strong family values.

At just 17 years old, Betty made the decision to join the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1952, at a time when the United States was engaged in the Korean War. Though the Army was the last path her parents would have chosen for her, Betty was determined to serve her country. She was stationed in Yokohama, Japan, where she worked as a dental technician, providing care and support to fellow service members.

After her military service, Betty continued her career as a dental technician, working for Dr. Hood in Mt. Sterling until her retirement.  

A woman of faith, Betty was a devoted member of Spring Street Baptist Church. She cherished her family and found great joy in spending time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing Rook with family and friends, often engaging in friendly competition filled with laughter. She also had a love for crossword puzzles, which kept her sharp and entertained for hours. 

She is survived by one son Charles Carrillo and wife Linda; two daughters, Lori Wells and Paula Riley; one brother, W.E. "Bill" Johnson and wife Lela, all of Mt. Sterling; six grandchildren, Jason McClanahan (Rebecca), Christopher Carrillo (Becky), Jeremy McClanahan (Dana), Sean Riley, Sarah McClanahan (Nick), and Katlyn Riley; several great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, and other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 12 siblings. Betty’s legacy of service, faith, love, and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A funeral service to honor Betty’s life will be held 1 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, at Spring Street Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Robinson officiating. She will be laid to rest at Machpelah Cemetery with full military honors by Mt. Sterling American Legion Post 22.

Pallbearers: Jeremy McClanahan, Jason McClanahan, Chris Carrillo, Sean Riley, Nicholas James, Mike Johnson, and Joey Johnson.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, at Spring Street Baptist Church, 442 Spring Street, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Betty’s memory to Spring Street Baptist Church or Mt. Sterling American Legion Post 22, 1091 Winchester Road, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is caring for arrangements for Betty Jean Johnson Lawson.

View or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jean (Johnson) Lawson, please visit our floral store.