Betty Johnston

Betty Harris Johnston, age 82, passed away peacefully at her home in Greensboro,

NC, on October 9, 2025.

"Betsy" was born in Harmony, NC, on February 21, 1943, to the late James Rayford

Harris and Ruth Horn Harris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, and is

survived by their son, Joey, his wife, Cindy, and three loving grandchildren-Ashlyn, AJ,

and Morgan-as well as many cherished friends, extended family, and beloved animals.

Betsy graduated from Harmony High School in 1962. At 18, she met the love of her life,

Joseph Edward Johnston, on a blind date. They married on July 31, 1964, and began a

journey that took them across the Southeast. Betsy earned her degree as a Radiologic

Technician and worked at Roper Hospital in Charleston, SC, while Joe served in the

Navy. Their careers led them to Atlanta, Birmingham, and eventually Greensboro, NC,

where they bought their first home and welcomed their son, Joey.

In 1976, Betsy helped Joe start a small automotive restyling business serving local

dealerships. While both maintained full-time jobs, a layoff in 1977 gave Joe the

opportunity to grow the business full-time. Though Betsy loved her medical career, she

soon discovered her true calling was in sales. Betsy quickly became a pioneering force

in an industry dominated by men. Fearless and authentic, she believed every stranger

was simply a friend she hadn't met yet. Her candid humor, relentless work ethic, and

belief in quality over price won over countless customers. Those who worked with her

often laughed at her habit of selling Joe on a new project before telling him - a pattern

that perfectly reflected their teamwork and love. Together, with Joe's engineering skill

and Betsy's marketing vision, their company, Tops and Trends, thrived.

Beyond her professional success, Betsy's greatest legacy was the love and compassion

she poured into others. She adored her grandchildren-her "grands"-and delighted in

taking them on adventures, often to Joey and Cindy's good-natured dismay.

Betsy's energy seemed endless. She hosted countless gatherings, always making sure

everyone felt welcome and cared for. She was active in civic and social groups,

including Beta Sigma Phi sorority, where she was a member for over 50 years. She also

loved her bridge and domino clubs, and her close-knit circle of Red Hats and "BBs"

(Bitching Babes), her dear church friends.

Animals held a special place in Betsy's heart. She volunteered with the Triad SPCA for

over 20 years, served in leadership roles, and cared for a colony of feral cats at the

Greensboro Auto Auction for nearly four decades. Her compassion knew no

bounds-her mailbox was always full of donation requests because she simply couldn't

say no.

Even into her 80s, Betsy never slowed down. In 2023 alone, at age 81, she drove

almost 24,000 miles visiting customers and friends across the state. ALS eventually

took her ability to drive, but never her spirit. She continued visiting the office, taking

calls, and keeping up with her friends until she could no longer speak. She lit up

whenever she heard someone ask, "Where's Betsy? Tell her I said hello."

The family would like to thank the dedicated team at Duke Hospital and the Duke ALS

Clinic, members of the Joe Martin Foundation and ALS United of North Carolina, and

the many caregivers and friends who supported Betsy with love and compassion.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro

on Saturday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the SPCA of the Triad, P.O. Box

4461, Greensboro, NC 27404. The family welcomes your expressions of sympathy and

personal stories of how Betsy touched your life. The family welcomes your expressions

of sympathy and personal stories of how Betsy touched your life, which may be shared

here on our tribute wall.