Betty Jean Johnson was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on April 9, 1946. She was the fifth of seven children from the union of Tylee and Carlener (Swinger) Johnson. She was reared and educated in Okmulgee where she was given a strong foundation upon which to build her life. As a result, she became a woman of great spiritual strength, resourcefulness, integrity, character, responsibility and uncompromising determination which she maintained and nurtured throughout her life. Her love for education was also instilled in her as a child and she pursued it passionately, excelling academically in the public schools of Okmulgee. She graduated with honors from the historic Dunbar High School with the class of 1964. She continued her academic endeavors at Langston University, graduating in 1968 with a BA degree in English.
Betty was joined in holy matrimony to Jesse J. Buckley, Jr. on January 18, 1969. From this union, they were blessed with seven children. She began her career in 1968 as a teacher of English, French and Language Arts in the Tulsa Public Schools System. In 1990, she received a Masters degree in Guidance Counseling from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. During her career as teacher and counselor for Middle and High School students, she also worked in Okmulgee, Langston, Guthrie and Oklahoma City where she retired in August of 2005. But she didn't really "retire." She returned to her roots in Okmulgee and kept going.
During Betty's early childhood, she devoted herself to God and staunchly lived by her Christian principles. In adulthood, she maintained high activity in her churches, and soon held top state level office positions. At her time of transition, she was a member of Eastside Church of God In Christ (COGIC) with Elder O. H. Todd as pastor. In addition to working tirelessly in her church, Betty volunteered her services to various community activities – U.S. Veteran associations, Children's organizations, Prison Ministries, Meals on Wheels, family activities and numerous other humanitarian endeavors. She was, indeed, a devout Christian and community role model, always helping those in need. Concern for others was the hallmark of her life.
Betty made her transition to everlasting life on December 10, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, John and Nettie (Cowan) Johnson and Wesley and Sally (Mitchum) Swinger; one daughter, Nellina J. Buckley; three siblings: John D. Johnson; Rochester Johnson and Nathaniel Johnson.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, loved ones in her immediate family and numerous relatives and friends. She is survived by six children: Jesse J. Buckley, III; Edward D. (Cynthia) Buckley, Sr.; Barry C. Buckley; Yolanda M. Buckley; Christina L. Buckley and Anthony S. Buckley; Three siblings: Willie Mae (George) Miller; Louise Johnson and Jerry (Carolyn) Johnson; Three grandchildren: Edward D. Buckley, Jr.; DeAhna T. Buckley; Matthew D. Buckley; Five nieces: Deborah and Penny Miller; LaToya, Courtney and Gwendolyn Johnson; Two nephews: Craig and Larry Johnson; numerous cousins and a host of friends.
Betty leaves a legacy of hard work and exemplary Christian service and will be greatly missed by those she so gracefully touched. We thank God for her precious life and the beautiful memories she left behind. May she rest in perfect peace.
'WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT'

Her services are will be Tuesday December 18, 2012 at 11AM at First Baptist Church in Downtown Okmulgee. Friends may visit her on Monday from 12Noon until 6PM.