Obituary

Betty Jo Bruns Johnson was born July 14, 1929, in Richmond, Missouri to Herbert and Bertha Bruns. She joined 2 brothers, Emil and Afton and 4 sisters, Thelma, Georgia, Virginia, and Marjory.  

She graduated from Richmond High school. She married C.L. Johnson in 1946. Her first child Michael was born in 1947, followed by Stephanie in 1951.  

They moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1948, then on to Raytown, Missouri before settling in Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 1959, where they lived for the rest of their lives. 

She and C.L. had been married for 52 years. In 1997 they renewed their vows and had the reception at Longview Chapel. I once asked her if she would ever remarry, her response was, he was the love of her life, so what would she need another man for.  She never had any interest in anyone else. 

Jo worked for 18 years at Bakers Dept store in Lee’s Summit. She was also a private companion for the elderly for 10 years. She also held estate sales with her daughter and granddaughter as well as sold antiques at the flea market at the old downtown Kansas City Airport. 

Her service to her faith started at 14 as a member of a Baptist Church. She went on to be a member of the Lee’s Summit Christian Church in 1962, and finally at Longview Christian Chapel in 1991-2023. In that time she served her church by doing everything from chili suppers, ice cream socials, and tours to apple dumplings, and embroidery for the craft shows. She was on the pulpit committee when Jan Keeler was hired. She was also a member of the willing workers from its inception. She and C.L. also purchased stained glass windows for the church in honor of their parents. 

She has worked tirelessly to raise money for the expansion of Longview Chapel. There were also many blind and elderly people that she would help over the years by cooking, taking food to them and cleaning.  

“My grandchildren and my children were the pride and joy of my life.” That was a direct quote from her in writing the notes for her memorial. 

She is survived by her son-in-law Michael Dyer her grandchildren, Shawn Dyer Shaffer spouse Sean, John Dyer spouse Nicolette, her grandchildren Patrick, Matthew, Dalton Shaffer, and Logan Dyer and her great granddaughter Mercedes Shaffer. 

Internment will be at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at Floral Hills East Cemetery, Lee’s Summit, MO