Betty Rachel Martin Johnson

Betty Rachel (Martin) Johnson, 89, of Charlotte, NC, went home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Betty always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone she met — she never met a stranger and loved to talk, telling everyone she loved them and that they were the best. She had a special fondness for the color pink, which reflected her bright, joyful spirit, and she never passed up a chance to enjoy a meal at her favorite place, Bar-B-Q King. Betty carried a strong Christian faith that guided her every day, and spent her final days doing the things she loved most — singing along to “good old gospel” music, complimenting everyone in the room, and enjoying a good dessert.

Betty was born on December 19, 1936, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to her loving parents, Hattie Christine and George Walter Martin. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Betty was endlessly proud of her large and ever-growing family and would have loved nothing more than to see the following list of names that will carry her legacy for generations to come.

Betty is survived by her loving family, including her Children: Donna Hidalgo (Luis), Catherine Collins (Robert), Marvin “Neal” Helms, Jr. (Marie), Carolyn Helms Goodrum (Gary), and Debra Hughes; Grandchildren: Amanda Robinson (Brian), Michelle Porter (Patric), Brian Benfield (Jenny), Brandon Benfield (Paula), Sara Collins (Dean), Jesse Helms, Evan Helms, Elliana Helms, Ashley Hughes, Katie Blanchett (Derek), Michelle Sears(Trent), Sandy Sears(John); Great-grandchildren: Brooke, Alexis, Dylan (Taylor), Chloe, Caitlyn, Chelsea, Megan, Leslie, Layla (and her mother Julie), Jayden, Josie, Violet, May, Magnolia, Kelbi, Karis and Kohen; Great-great-grandchildren: Estella-Ivy, Sophie, James, and Henry; Brother: Joe Martin (Charlene); and many special Nieces, Nephews and their families. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Howard Johnson; her siblings, Virginia Martin and Wesley Martin; and her grandchildren, Christina McCoy, Brad Benfield and Brittany Benfield. 

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at Sunset Road Baptist Church, 2317 Sunset Road, Charlotte, NC, 28216, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Sunset Road Baptist Church Youth and Children’s ministry.