Her Savior called; she answered! What rejoicing there must have been in Heaven when, on Monday, December 26, 2016, at the age of 60, Evangelist Betty Jane Johnson answered her Master's call and gained relief from her suffering and earthly labor.
Betty Jane Murdaugh was one of eleven children born to the late Deacon David Murdaugh and Deaconess Lucille Brabham Murdaugh on September 27, 1956 in Bamberg County, South Carolina. Having been reared in a Christian home, she joined McCune Branch Baptist Church in Lodge, South Carolina at an early age. Betty attended the public schools of South Carolina, and graduated from Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School in 1974. She continued her education at Denmark Technical College and was a dedicated employee of Bamberg County Memorial Hospital until her unfortunate diagnosis of Sarcoidosis. At a later time, she became a private home healthcare provider. On July 1, 1995, she married Nathel Johnson, of Blackville, SC. This union was blessed with one son who was welcomed into a blended family of five. As a mature adult, she was led by the Holy Spirit, and united with New Life Deliverance Ministries, Denmark, South Carolina. Here, she received her call to preach the gospel and received her Certificate of Ordination on November 17, 2006. Believing 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," she obtained Evangelical training through various workshops and seminars. Most recently she became a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. With her lively spirit, she enjoyed worshipping amongst fellow saints. Evangelist Betty Jane Johnson was a fervent prayer warrior and woman of Faith to the very end.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings who died in infancy, two brothers; Johnnie Lee and the late Deacon James Murdaugh and a son, Nathel Hay.
Evangelist Johnson leaves to cherish her precious memories: her devoted husband of 21 years, Mr. Nathel Johnson; five loving children: Kaia Murdaugh, Denmark, SC; Quetta (Kevin)Hammond, Aiken, SC; Connie Staley, Melbourne, FL; Seresh (Toby) Major, Raleigh, NC; Nijel Johnson, Blackville, SC; four devoted siblings; Carolyn M. (Norman) Davis, Bamberg SC; Joyce M. Wilson, Ehrhardt, SC; Jerry (Cherrie) Murdaugh, Ehrhardt, SC; Ronnie (Merdestine) Murdaugh, Bamberg, SC; thirteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; three aunts, Azalee Hayward and Donella Barker, Jacksonville, FL, Ruth Wilson, Brooklyn, NY; seven sisters-in-law; Helen Murdaugh, Orangeburg, SC; Emma Dicks, Bertha (Charles) Johnson, Mary Hammond, Blackville, SC; Lizzie Brooker, Aiken, SC; Vera (Eddie) Hayes, Columbia, SC; Eva (Rev. Moses) Bryant, Denmark, SC; one brother-in-law, Jeremiah Johnson, Blackville, SC. A niece and goddaughter, LaLisa (Ernell, III) Folk, and a host of other loving nieces/nephews; one special friend, Cynthia James.