Betty Cunningham Johnston passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, May 13, 2026 at the age of 97, in Waco, TX. She was born on October 20, 1928 to Charles Edwin Cunningham & Edith Davis Cunningham, and grew up on the family farm on Nails Creek in Maryville, TN. She was a devoted, life-long member and supporter of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.

She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Home Economics in 1950. After graduation, she married Robert Johnston, whom she met while attending UT. He had just been recalled to active duty in the US Air Force, so over the next 25 years she accompanied Bob to 10 of 11 duty assignments in the US and abroad (Turkey, France, Germany, and England). She taught Home Economics prior to the birth of their only child, John.

At most of the places they lived, she volunteered with civic organizations providing support to the military community including the Officers’ Wives Club (OWC). She served as President of the OWC when they were in Phalsbourg, France. She also developed a lifelong passion for bridge, and achieved Life Master status in Contract Bridge League.

After Bob’s retirement from the Air Force, and their return to Maryville in 1975, she began working at Proffit’s department store and reached the position of manager/buyer of the gift wrap department, before her own retirement.

She was married to Bob for 57 years until his passing in 2008. She continued to travel, play bridge, and attend Lady Vols basketball games as a season ticket holder with her dear friend, Charlotte, for many years. Betty loved her family and friends, showing it through her love, support and acts of kindness. She relocated to Waco, TX to be near her son and his family.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister-in-law, Edwin & Vivian (Brown) Cunningham, and sister and brother-in-law Roy & Hazel Johnson.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John & Cheryl (Hammon) Johnston, grandson, Davis Johnston, sister, Edith Woods (Cunningham), and many nieces and nephews.

John would like to express his sincere gratitude to the many people who showed compassionate care and helped support her; Uni Murphy and Lake Ridge Healthy Living, Arbor Gardens, Mercy House Living Springs, Gentle Transitions Hospice nurses and aides, and Shirley. The weekly phone calls with her sisters and best friend added so much to her life after relocating to Waco.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am, Friday June 26, 2026 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, 5302 Nails Creek Road, Maryville, TN 37804, a memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. A luncheon for family and friends will be provided at/by the church after the memorial service. Entombment will take place at Grandview Cemetery Mausoleum, 2304 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803, at 3:00 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee: (https://www.alztennessee.org/give/donate-now) or Cedar Grove Baptist Church.