757.628.1000

Betty J. Nelson


Sunrise: November 19, 1947

Sunset: June 29, 2023

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8

Betty Pearl Johnson Nelson was born on November 19, 1947, and departed this earthly life and entered eternal life on Thursday, June 29, 2023. Betty was a native of Norfolk, Virginia and the only daughter of the late Paul Elmo Johnson, Jr., and Loriner Long Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband James Edward Nelson, III and her son Jermaine Lavelle Nelson. Betty Pearl as she was affectionally referred to by many of her family had the opportunity to gain a strong work ethic while working in the family business Long’s Market in her early years. Betty was educated in the Norfolk Public Schools, and a graduate of Norfolk’s Booker T. Washington High School. She enjoyed working with children during their formative years and retired from Norfolk Public School system. Betty was a member of Garrett’s Community Baptist Church, Norfolk, Virginia under the leadership of Bishop Johnnie L. Reid where she served on the Dorcas Missionary Board, the Eagles Nest Ministry, Prayer Ministry, and the Kitchen Committee. She was the committed Assistant Leader for the Lois P. Cason Tent #787, recently receiving her national honors for the United Order of Tents. Betty was a faithful and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend. She was a loving, kind, and caring person to everyone she encountered. Betty will be fondly remembered for her meek and optimistic spirit. Betty developed wonderful friendships with her neighbors over the years. She often enjoyed family gatherings and served on the Johnson family reunion committee for several years. Betty’s last weeks were filled with exuberance and joyous family celebrations saturated with love and masses of laughter. Betty’s memories will be cherished by her loving and loyal son, Antonio Travis Johnson (LaNita) of Irving, Texas, two brothers, Paul Eugene Johnson, Sr. (Jean) of Norfolk, Virginia and Robert Lee Johnson of New York, New York. Three grandchildren, Christopher White (Vivian) of North Augusta, South Carolina, Travis Johnson and Kiara Johnson of Montgomery, Alabama. Great-granddaughters; Aaliyah White, Tatiana White, one great-grandson Teitus Duraham of North Augusta, South Carolina, two aunts, Catherine Harris of Portsmouth, Virginia and Jean Brooks, of Portsmouth, Virginia one uncle, Leon Johnson of Norfolk, Virginia. Seven nieces; Janice Johnson of Alexandria, Virginia, Kem Williams of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Tiffany Nelson, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Rekita Nelson, of Suffolk, Virginia, and Florence, Christina, Anamia. Two nephews, Paul E. Johnson, Jr. (Adrian) of Chesapeake, Virginia and Michael P. Johnson of Norfolk, Virginia. Daughters-in-law, LaNita Johnson of Irving, Texas, Audrey Nelson, of Chesapeake, Virginia, Sisters-in-law; Jean Johnson of Norfolk, Virginia, Sandra Sherrod of Norfolk, Virginia and Anita Nelson of Suffolk, Virginia, brothers-in-law; Ronnie Nelson of Norfolk, Virginia and Michael Nelson of Suffolk, Virginia. Betty was blessed to be a product of loving and sizeable family including 19 paternal first cousins and 6 maternal first cousins. She was blessed to be reared with her doting and committed first-cousins-sisters: Brenda Greene and Eleanor Gray both of Chesapeake, Virginia. A special granddaughter-in love; Skaylar Tobias of Atlanta, Georgia. God sons; Darren and Derrick Custis of Chesapeake, Virginia. Betty will be missed by a host of wonderful relatives and friends.

Viewing Friday, July 14, 2023 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23523 Service COME IN PERSON OR WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Saturday, July 15, 2023 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Berkley Chapel Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320

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Condolences(13)

  1. reply
    Timothy and Burnella Nelson and Family says

    We send our sincere condolences at this difficult time. We pray for the family and hope that you will find peace and comfort in the Lord.

  2. reply
    Dr. Valarie Gray Turner says

    Missing my dear cousin “Betty Pearl!” Always a smile, always a laugh, always a joy to talk to and be around. Love the love you gave, love the life you lived. Condolences to Tony, Gene, Bobby, Nelson and Johnson families, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends. Love you dearly, my Cuz – “Betty Pearl!” You surely will be missed here on earth, but you will forever remain in our hearts. Love you much, Valarie

  3. reply
    Kimberly Brown says

    Condolences to the family of Betty Nelson. Keep the family in prayers.

    • reply
      Renee Dalton-Wilson & Family says

      My prayers are with the Nelson & Johnson Family. A great loss on earth but a blessing is gone to heaven. The Lord has all of you, so lean on your faith to get you through.

    • reply
      Tonya J Harris Washington says

      My most sincere condolences to the Nelson And Johnson families for the loss of our sweet angel. You will be missed Betty! Rest Easy❤️

    • reply
      Lesa Zahn says

      My Condolences to All the families. May she RIP. Another Angel has got her wings.

    • reply
      Lesa Zahn says

      My Condolences to All the families. May she RIP. Another Angel has got her wings.

  4. reply
    Toniesha Wright says

    Sleep in peace..always in my heart…
    Toni…your#1 hairstylist

  5. reply
    Donna Allen says

    My prayers are with the entire family. May the love of our Lord comfort you all during this time.

    Donna Allen
    Alfred Street Baptist Church
    Alexandria, VA

  6. reply
    Ann Mickel says

    My sincere sympathy to Tony & Lanita Johnson and the entire family in the demise of Tony’s mother. My heartfelt prayers will continue to go forth to our heavenly Father. Peace be with you all.
    Lovingly, Sis Ann

  7. reply
    Pearlene Greer says

    Sending my prayers to the entire family. May the peace of God comfort you during this difficult time.

  8. reply
    Linda Johnson-Fardan says

    From God we come and surely to him is our return… my prayers and condolences to the family of my special friend…

  9. reply
    Lesa Zahn says

    My Condolences to All the families. May she RIP. Another Angel has got her wings.

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