Bethel W. Johnson, of Camarillo, CA, went to be with the Lord on September 24, 2017. Bethel “Bert” Johnson was born February 28, 1928 in Charlotte, North Carolina to William and Bertha Johnson. He was a younger sibling to William, Jr., and Dorothea.
Growing up primarily in Charleston, South Carolina during the great depression, Bethel learned self-reliance and self-discipline. He graduated from The Citadel in 1948, earning a degree in Business Administration.
As a young man Bethel moved across the country to Los Angeles, CA where he attended Life Bible College. There he met and married Mona Lee Johnson, who was the love of his life. On the west coast he would continue to pursue higher education. His tireless pursuit of knowledge led to his earning several additional degrees, including Bachelor’s of Theology, Master of Science (Chemistry), Master of Business Administration Finance, and a PHD in Education (University of Southern California).
Bethel went on to make higher education a career, working for many years in both teaching and administration and eventually as President of Woodbury University (Burbank, California). In addition to his formal degree studies, Bethel throughout his life would pursue self study of diverse fields, most especially Bible studies but also such diverse topics as computer programming, history, and agronomy. Bethel was also active in teaching Bible studies through most of his life, and was enthusiastic about sharing his deep knowledge of scripture as well as the sciences and history.
In 1982 Bethel moved to Somis in Ventura County and began managing lemon orchards. He was frequently found in the grove personally pruning lemon trees to his ideal form. He continued to grow lemons in the area for as long as his health would permit.
Together with his beloved Mona, Bethel raised three children: William, David, and Leeann Johnson. He was the grandfather of six grandchildren and great-grandfather of 2 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held October 3, 2017 at 1:30 at Forest Lawn Memorial, 1712 S. Glendale Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91205.
Posted in: Ventura County Star
Posted on: 2017-10-02
Link to original obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/venturacountystar/obituary.aspx?n=bethel-w-johnson&pid=186816331