Bettye Jo (Johnson) Rushing, a longtime resident of Wynnewood, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Friday, April 10, 2020 in Norman, Oklahoma. Bettye was born on February 19, 1942, in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, to Tommie L. and Gladys P. Johnson. Bettye spent her younger years in Wynnewood and spoke fondly of family memories that included large holiday gatherings and family reunions. She completed her education and graduated from Wynnewood High School in 1959. She also attended and graduated from the Dallas School of Business. Bettye worked for many years at Kerr McGee Corporation and then later worked for the State of Oklahoma at Pauls Valley State School, caring for individuals with developmental disabilities. Prior to her retirement from the State of Oklahoma, she became a foster grandparent and continued in that role after her retirement. She enjoyed working with children in the Wynnewood School system, especially helping them with their reading skills. More recently, she took part in an intergenerational preschool education program at Grace Living Center - Norman, where she resided. She looked forward to greeting Pre-K children and helping them with various activities. Bettye loved cooking, eating, and being on the go. She enjoyed playing solitaire and other card games, doing word search puzzles, playing dominoes, watching game shows on television, going to the casino, and talking with family and friends. She also loved watching sporting events, especially OU and when her grandkids played. She was a Girl Scout troop leader, member of the Wynnewood Savages Booster Club, and a member and secretary of the Order of the Eastern Star Faith Chapter 55.OES for 20+ years. She was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church and adored her church family. While living at Grace, she enjoyed her church family at Northgate Baptist Church in Norman, OK. Her parents Tommie and Gladys Johnson, brothers, Tommie L. Johnson and Koehlar Johnson, sister Meredith Sue (Johnson) Curry, grandson, Kevin Johnson Jr., infant granddaughter Cameo Pearl Brown, and sister-in-law Thelma Johnson preceded Bettye in death. She is survived by her son Kevin Joe Johnson of Wynnewood, OK; daughters, Chantay L. Carter Allen and husband, H. DeWayne Allen of Wynnewood, OK; Tristen C. Rushing of Ardmore, OK; 10 grandchildren, Elaxis, Alika, LaBryant, Stephen, Challen, Devin, Justyce, Pete, E-Tre, and Desmond; 7 great-grandchildren, Lexy, Kali, Sophia, Carter, Kamdyn, Micah, and Cason; brothers, Clinton Johnson and wife, Vernetta, of Oklahoma City; and Dwyar Johnson and wife, Teresa, of Wynnewood, OK; sister-in-law Shirlee Johnson of Oklahoma City; brother-in-law, Bob Curry of Wynnewood, OK; dear friend Maria Jones of Oklahoma City; and many other relatives and friends.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions, individual visitation will be at Wooster Funeral Home (1601 South Chickasaw, Pauls Valley, OK 73075), beginning at 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesday,April 15, 2020. A small graveside celebration with family and close friends will occur on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Hopewell Cemetery. A larger memorial service/celebration of life will be planned later when social gathering restrictions have been lifted. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in memory of Bettye Rushing to Grace Living Center Activities Fund (4554 W Main Street, Norman, OK 73072). The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to everyone at Grace Living Center - Norman for their wonderful care and friendship over the last several years. You may send condolences to the Family to www.woosterfuneralhome.com