Elizabeth A. ‘Betty’ Johnson – Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Belle Vernon
Obituaries
August 20, 2025

Elizabeth A. ‘Betty’ Johnson – Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Belle Vernon

CLEARWATER, FLA., FORMERLY OF BELLE VERNON Elizabeth A. “Betty” Johnson, 97, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Belle Vernon, passed away with her loving family by her side on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at her home. Born in Yo r k , Pa., on Dec. 26, 1927, she was a daughter of the late James and Margaret Madigan Ferguson and wife of the late Howard “Chick” Johnson, who died June 12, 2016. Betty was Catholic by faith and a former member of St. Sebastian Church in Belle Vernon and still attended Mass at Light of Christ Catholic Church in Clearwater. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing and was a registered nurse. Betty was a lover of life who enjoyed traveling the world with her family and husband. She and her husband Howard moved to Clearwater after their retirement and resided at O.T.O.W. (On Top of the World) and spent 32 beautiful years in the Sunshine State. Upon her parents’ passing, she became and was the proud owner with her siblings of Gene and Boots Candy for many years. Betty was an accomplished life master in bridge, which she loved playing almost seven days a week up until her passing. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Mark Johnson; and sister, Mary Jill DeLany. She is survived by her four children, Janice Johnson of Monongahela, Larry (Arlene) Johnson of Clearwater, Fla., Karen Johnson of Monessen and Sandra Johnson of Clearwater, Fla.; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert Ferguson of Clearwater, Fla.; along with nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Carroll Township/Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Services will be held Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, beginning with prayers of transfer in the funeral home at 9:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church, Belle Vernon, with the Rev. Father Anthony Onoko officiating. Procession to and interment in Monongahela Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choosing in Betty’s name.

Donora honors Senko on 9/11 anniversary
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
September 12, 2026
The borough native was killed on Sept. 11, 2001, when a plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Twenty-five years ago, students walked into Ringgold High School on a beautiful Se...
Charleroi Area High School homecoming royalty
Latest News, Main
September 12, 2026
Crosby Hatalowich and Vanessa Gray are Charleroi Area’s homecoming king and queen. Jenn Codeluppi / Mon Valley Independent
Washington County holds groundbreaking ceremony for new Public Safety Building
Latest News, Main
September 12, 2026
The $41M project is slated for completion in 2028. By the MVI Construction will soon begin on a new Washington County public safety building after a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the $4...
McKeesport Area hires new solicitor in 5-3 vote
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com 
September 12, 2026
The school board voted on the new law firm at a meeting this week. A new law firm is now representing the McKeesport Area School District. In a 5-3 vote Thursday, the school board voted to terminate t...
DAR chapter will dedicate Little Free Library in White Oak
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
September 12, 2026
The library will be located by the Faith Lutheran Church parking lot. The Queen Alliquippa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will dedicate a Little Free Library today in White Oak. T...