Elizabeth "Betty" L. Johnson

Rev. Elizabeth (Betty) L. Johnson graduated to Heaven on September 13, 2023, peacefully at home. Elizabeth Louise Schumann was born April 17, 1930, to Charles W. Schumann and Elsie Toni (Heyssig) Schumann. Elizabeth had an older brother, Charles W. Schumann, and a younger sister Trudy (Gertrude Schumann) Kraetsch, both predeceased. The family lived in Teaneck, and she graduated from Teaneck High School. Her family was Lutheran, but when she married, she converted to being a Methodist. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Emmett B. Johnson and their daughter, Susan Elizabeth. She and Emmett met on a blind date. It was love at first sight and they married in 1949. They settled in Waldwick, NJ and raised their family. They were married for 70 years and traveled extensively, many times taking grandchildren on their trips. Emmett and Elizabeth also had a tent and were active in the spiritual community of Ocean Grove for over 25 years. Elizabeth was a “Red Lady” volunteer and sang in the Great Auditorium choir.

Elizabeth was very gifted artistically - a beautiful seamstress not only sewing family clothes but also things for Church, decorating for events, painting, gardening, playing the piano and the organ. Elizabeth gave of her heart and her talents every way she could.

Elizabeth always has had a heart of faith and love for God. Both Emmett and Betty served in the Waldwick United Methodist Church. She held women’s prayer groups in our home and became involved with Woman’s Aglow, eventually becoming one of the Presidents. God called Elizabeth to the ministry, and she began her education and becoming Pastor of small churches. Elizabeth was officially ordained as a Pastor in 1985 and mainly served in the NY Conference but filled in wherever she was asked. Elizabeth also created many Women’s support groups including a Cancer Support Group.

Elizabeth has greatly loved and been loved by her daughters Linda Elizabeth and her husband, David Hopson, Leslie Ann (Wasberg) and her husband Anton Straub, and Jennifer Susan and her husband, David Beekman, 15 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 6 step great grandchildren and 2 grandchildren in heaven.

Even though in this last year her it was hard for her, she managed to say “I am blessed” when asked how she was. She would smile, wink, and tell us she loved us. Everyone who cared for her was blessed by her. And the blessings will continue for many years to come.

A special thank you to those who came and helped us care for Elizabeth in the last year and a half of her life.

As Elizabeth would say “God loves you and I love you.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waldwick United Methodist Church, 25 Franklin Tpke., Waldwick, NJ 07463, or the charity of your choice.