Elizabeth Ennis (Morrison) Johnson

Elizabeth (Betty) Morrison Johnson, a native of Asheville, died on May 18, 2025. Betty was born and raised in Asheville and returned after a vibrant and full life in Dunn, NC with her husband and family. She lived her final years in her beloved mountains – a true Asheville girl.

Born on March 21, 1934, she was the fourth daughter of Helen Belo Morrison and Allen Turner Morrison. She was married to James (Jim, Rock, or brother) Johnson and together, they were a dynamic duo for nearly 60 years. Rock predeceased her in 2015.

Betty loved people, the outdoors, all sports, and the arts. A true renaissance woman, Betty was an excellent tennis player and was the only girl on a boys’ tennis team when a teenager. She enjoyed tennis all her life. She also was a very talented artist. Betty painted and worked primarily with watercolors or acrylics. Many of her paintings are in her home. She had a wonderful voice and sang Alto in the choir of the Divine Street Methodist Church for many years.

Betty graduated from St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, Virginia and Salem College. She championed girls’ education. She and Rock married in 1956 and with their family, had a full and rich life in Dunn. Betty was a pillar of the community, serving on many civic boards. She was instrumental in the founding of a public library in Dunn. Betty was active for many years in Divine Street Methodist Church and sang in the choir for most of those years. She chaired the Board of the Hospital and was known for starting every meeting with a prayer. Betty cherished her garden, book and bridge clubs and the many friends she had in them.

She leaves her four children, Lisa (Stuart) Bondurant of Atlanta and Asheville, Morrison Johnson of Phoenix, Laura (Jim) Frey of Putney, Vermont and Allen Johnson of Jamestown, North Carolina. She loved her eight grandchildren, Will (Rich) Bondurant, Beth (Coleman) Stoltze, Ben (Catherine) Bondurant, Bear (Mikaela) Bondurant, Maya Johnson, Grant Johnson, Katherine (Nick) Ellison and Morgan Johnson. She also had six great grandchildren. Betty is survived by her elder sister, Jane Morrison Rouse Waddell of Hendersonville. Sisters Helen Soutter and Frances Brenager predeceased her. She has over forty nieces and nephews!

Her best friend and soul mate for the last 10 years is Jackie Johnson. Betty and Jackie were the cutest two! They had so much fun together. It was a beautiful thing, their relationship. The family is deeply grateful to Jackie for the unconditional love and tenderness she showed Betty. Betty’s life was immeasurably better – thanks to Jackie.

The family is also grateful to all the Rouses in Hendersonville, NC for their help, love and attention to Betty the last few years.

A Graveside Service will be held on May 30th at 11:00 at Greenwood Cemetery in Dunn. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, June 1st at First Presbyterian Church of Asheville at 1:30 PM, with a reception to follow at the Biltmore Forest Country Club.

If you would like to make a gift or contribution in her memory, please consider The Givens Health Center, 600 Barrett Lane, Asheville, NC 28803, The First Presbyterian Church of Asheville or Divine Street United Methodist Church in Dunn.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.