April 16, 1931 - May 1, 2021

Betty was born April 16, 1931 in Clarksville, Arkansas to Harlan and Ferriel Johnson. She passed away with her daughters by her side in Overland Park, Kansas on May 1, 2021. 

Betty and Blackie Gillespie were married on April 15, 1951 at Camp Stoneman, CA. They lived in Little Rock, AR until being transferred to Overland Park, KS. After Blackie died in 1975, she put all the love and strength she had to care for and support her daughters. She retired in 1998 after a long and successful career with Computer Science Corporation.

Betty most enjoyed reading, conversation and traveling with her family and numerous friends. She made regular trips to her beloved Arkansas to visit family. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and was thankful to have such a great relationship with both sons-in-law, Brad and Dan.

Survivors include her daughters, Pam (Brad) Grieves of Auburn, KS and Kim (Dan) Penner of Prairie Village, KS; grandchildren, Kimberly Grieves (Shaun McLean) Frisco, TX; Will Penner (Yesenia Flores), San Diego, CA; Rachel Grieves, Topeka, KS; Erin Penner, Fort Collins, CO; sisters-in law, Rachel Johnson and Geneva Pledger. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Hays “Blackie” Gillespie, brothers Dean Johnson and Harold Johnson and sister Anna Spanke.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on May 22, 2021, at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nall Ave., Overland Park, Kansas 66207. Masks will be required.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Morningside Place where she was cared for with love and compassion. We also wish to thank the staff who cared for our mom at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Hospital and ER.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3846 W. 75^th Street Suite #4126, Prairie Village, KS 66208 or Village Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 9960 Mission Rd, Overland Park, KS 66207.