By PAT FILSINGER

Five years ago, Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church began honoring members who, by their actions, expressed their dedication to others, with a “‘Towel and Basin” stained glass plaque.  The plaque reminds the viewer that Christ knelt at the feet of his disciples and washed their feet, then asking each to do the same to the others.  This sign of voluntary servitude, created and made by Sarah Senft, has become a prized possession of those who received it.

This year, a couple were given the award.  As Rev. Will Wells put it,”  Just as you never think of peanut butter without jelly, you can’t think of Bill without Betty.  The Johnsons simply act as one unit.”

The Johnsons didn’t care whether or not people who needed assistance belonged to the Methodist church; they just helped wherever there was a need, grocery shopping for the sut-ins, taking them to the doctors, making certain they were okay by almost daily calls, just being good neighbors to all.

Whenever Bill and Betty had a doctor’s appointment in Knoxville, they would get a list of those who were hospitalized from the church and they would visit those patients in the various hospitals.  It should be noted that this was prior to the expansion of Crossville Medical Center into a many-faceted facility.

Bill served , for many years,as the chaplain  for the 99th Army Division following World War II.  He was very active in the Masonic Shriners, in Hospice, an instructor for 55 Alive insurance/driving classes, and was a long time Lay Leader in the church.  Meanwhile, Betty worked long hours in the church kitchen,  monitoring the various storage areas, making certain there were sufficient staples, clean utilities and she was also instrumental in the choice of an industrial dishwasher/sanitizer which proved very useful for the many dinners the church members enjoyed. 

Whenever and wherever help was needed,  Betty and Bill were there.They have four sons and numerous grand-and-great grand children who add to the love they share.   These two folks happily share their love of people and of God  in their daily living although, as Betty commented, now that they are getting older, they can’t do as much as they once did.  Many Fairfield Glade friends still grin as they recall the many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners in the Johnson home before so many people necesitated going to the church for these dinners.  Betty and Bill still acted as host and hostess as other friends helped with preparation and clean-up when over 200 guests sat down to dinners on these occasions. 

Bill and Betty Johnson were recently honored by the Fairfield Glade Residents Association for all their community activities, two very special people who lightened the hearts of their fellow travelers along the road of life.