Betty Lou Johnson Norton

It is with a bittersweet but joyful heart that we announce the reunion of one of our Heavenly Father’s choicest daughters with her loving husband. Betty Norton, age 91, passed away February 7, 2021, at her home in South Jordan, Utah surrounded by her children.

Betty was born on May 23, 1929 to Jennings and Ann Roberts, and upon the untimely death of her father, was adopted by her grandparents, Amelia and Albert Julius Johnson.

Mother was married for time and all eternity to her only love, Howard Norton, on February 14, 1947, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their devotion to each other was apparent throughout their lives as they lovingly cared for one another for 73 years. Their courtship never wavered, singing tender songs to each other during those years, even until the time of Dad’s passing.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl (Charles), Craig (Debra), Connie, Grant (Colleen), Julie (Burton), GayLynne, Jeffrey (Laurie) and Gary; 47 grandchildren; 125 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding Mother in death were her beloved husband, Howard; her son Bryan; her parents and her adoptive parents.

Mother was a kind and gentle woman who loved all that she came in contact with. She had a deep and abiding love for her children and all of her grandchildren. She always made it a habit to buy presents for birthdays and Christmas, welcoming them into her home with open arms and expressions of love and compassion. All of us felt her love, which made it easy to love her back.

Mother loved music. She was a gifted violinist and musician, evidenced by her performing at the

World’s Fair at the age of 10. This gift she used through her life until her hands suffered from arthritis. She taught piano all her life even until recently, not only to her children and grandchildren, but to many others who will pass that valuable gift on to their posterity. We know that her teachings and instruction will live on for decades in the lives of those who learned to play under her tutelage. Her music influence was endless, and she blessed so many by her years of leading her church choirs and congregations. Her many ward members expressed their love and appreciation for her service, and greatly missed her when she was not able to continue leading the hymns.

Mother made her sole purpose in life the care of her husband and children, and in her worship of God. She had a fervent testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his sacrifice and atonement. We, as children, knew that if mother prayed for us, our Father in Heaven heard her pleas, as her prayers were akin to the prayers of an angel; very earnest and full of love for us, our Savior, and our Heavenly Father. She loved and served the Lord in every responsibility that she was asked to do---so many that it is hard to innumerate them all. One in particular, was her service to the Laurel group in her ward, a calling in which she served for 17 continuous years. She loved those young women and would recall their names and tell of her experiences with them. She would always refer to them as, “My Laurels.” Her devotion to her callings in these organizations greatly influenced the lives of those she touched during her time of service.

She never went half-way. Her commitment was total in all that she did. It was a trait that she shared with her husband. Mother and Dad served in the Albuquerque New Mexico mission in Kayenta, Arizona where they had many rewarding experiences with the Navajo people, whom they loved. Her sense of humor was infectious which invited all of her children to joke with her and to laugh and share many fun and crazy moments with her. It was fun to be around her and her quick sense of humor, as she could not only take a good ‘ribbing’ but give one out too.

Mom was a true woman of God and one that will be deeply missed by her family and countless people from all walks of life. She set an example for her family and all of those who knew her. By that example, she truly gained the admiration of friends and family. We know with an assurance that Mom was welcomed by Dad and many on the other side whom she touched during her sojourn on this earth. We will miss our association with her but will keep her memory in our hearts forever.

A viewing will be held on their 74th anniversary, February 14 from 5-7pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road. A private family service for her children will be held.

The family would like to thank all those who would come by her home with notes of love; and also of her treasured friends who have expressed their support and condolences at this time. The small handwritten notes from the children of the ward became some of her treasured gifts as mother often expressed to us the love that she had for the youth of her ward and the neighborhood. They were as special to her as her own grandchildren.

We would like to give special thanks to her three granddaughters who are nurses who came to us and assisted us in our, and her, time of need. Melissa, Stacy and Caralee; your presence, loving and tender care will be remembered forever. Thank you once again for caring for your grandmother. You were the answer to prayers.

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