Beatrice “Bede” Johnson, 97, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born on December 10, 1916, to Maggie Merlen Burnes Weishuhn and Herman John Weishuhn, in Brenham. She was born on a Sunday morning and her mother entered her in the Cradle Roll Department at First Christian Church that same day. She said she gave her to God. She was baptized at that same church when she was eight years old and has been a member all her life.

She graduated from Brenham High School where she was salutatorian of her class, she then moved to Beaumont to attend Chenier Business College. When she completed her courses, she worked for Graham & Phillip, and later worked for Jefferson Amusement when they had sixty-two theaters. Later, she and her husband, Reed, ran Johnson Machine Works.

She is preceded in death by her husband of Elbert Reed Johnson, after forty-nine and a half years of marriage.

A gathering of Mrs. Johnson’s family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2013, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2013, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704.