Elizabeth "Cricket" Johnson

As family and friends will certainly attest, Elizabeth Johnson truly had a heart of gold. She was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and she pursued whatever she put her mind to with fierce determination. There was nothing that brought Elizabeth greater joy than showering others with love. Her faith was exemplified in the way she cared for those around her, and her generosity has left an unforgettable impact on so many. Already so greatly missed, Elizabeth leaves behind a wonderful collection of memories that her loved ones will forever keep close.

The early 1960s are remembered as a time that revolutionized music. Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Hendrix, Chubby Checker, and The Supreme’s all topped the charts. Meanwhile, Sidney Poitier won the Best Actor Oscar for Lilies of the Field. It was during this influential time that John Willie Gatefield and Louise Williams of Isola, Mississippi, announced the birth of their daughter. Elizabeth made her entrance into the world on July 27 of 1961.

Growing up, Elizabeth enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation. She was one of four children in the Williams household and was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Yolanda, Bunny, and Anthony. Elizabeth discovered a passion for doing hair and would do her own all the time. As a teenager, she found work at local nursing homes while doing hair on the side to make a little extra money. She was so moved by a beautiful piece at the art institute gallery that she rushed home, inspiration still guiding her, and poured it into a mural for her mother—turning admiration into something deeply personal and heartfelt. She had an unconditional love for gospel music enjoying songs from Kirk Franklin, the Clark Sisters, and Cece Winans. She also had a liking for Rap songs with one in particular being her favorite from Hip-hop artist Future titled “Mess up some commas.” She also adored songs from the Staple Singers with one of her favorite songs from them being “Let’s do it again.”

Elizabeth went on to graduate from Paw Paw Adult Education. She then studied cosmetology at Wrights Beauty Academy. Elizabeth eventually became a Certified Nursing Assistant, pouring into those who depended on her. She had an undeniable passion for looking after the elderly, and she devoted herself to making sure everyone was well taken care of. A savvy businesswoman, Elizabeth also supported herself by selling makeup and running several vending machines around town. She also obtained her LLC license starting multiple side business such as a drinking beverage called “Pink Panties.” While in Chicago she also bought out a building that she would later make into a church for fellowship and worship.

Outside of her career, Elizabeth was deeply dedicated to her Christian faith. She was rooted in her church, and she was eager to volunteer wherever she was needed. Elizabeth had a gift for evangelism. While living in Chicago, she would preach on the corner, and she welcomed many to the Lord. Elizabeth’s nurturing nature made her a doting aunt to her nieces and nephews. She jumped at every chance to spend time with them, whether that meant taking them to the park and out to eat or having them over to her home for long weekends. They would stay up well into the night watching movies together. As a foster mom, Elizabeth was able to touch many lives for the better. She was also strict yet loving, providing disciplinary actions when the time called for it.

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoyed going to the movies, especially the scary ones. She had a talent for sneaking her snack bag into every movie. Elizabeth was known for her sweet tooth, and she loved all kinds of candy and chocolate. Her favorite was Heath Bars. Elizabeth had a little store set up in her home where the kids could come to buy candy. She had a sharp sense of style and liked shopping for new clothes. Always a free spirit, Elizabeth often moved around in search of new experiences. Still, she kept coming back to Chicago. Elizabeth knew where all the best food spots were to be found in her favorite city.

Adventurous, bold, and filled with an insatiable zest for life, Elizabeth Johnson possessed a joy that was contagious to all those near. She was always looking to encourage those around her, and she lived out her faith in both words and deeds, exemplifying what it meant to follow the Lord she loved so much. Elizabeth cherished every moment spent with her family and friends, and she considered herself deeply blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones. Her legacy is one of loyalty and selflessness. Although life will not be the same without Elizabeth here, she will be forever loved and treasured by those who knew her best.

Elizabeth Johnson of Kalamazoo, age 64, died on March 27, 2026. Elizabeth was born July 27, 1961 in Isola, Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her father, John Willie Gatefield; grandparents: Eliza and William Johnson; sister, Yolanda Williams Manning; uncle, Robert Johnson; nephew, Kendall Jackson; Goddaughter: Journee Williams. Surviving are her mother, Louise Williams; siblings: Bunny Johnson and Anthony Williams; nieces and nephews: Shaquala (Markeisha) Williams, Layton Earl Wallace, Kenneth Simmons Williams, Kendra Hattix, Kendric Jackson, Tonesha Williams, Jaquay Kyles, Aailya McMillan, Anthony Williams Jr.; 8 aunts and 5 uncles; and 2 special cousins, Ieasha Johnson and Lucile “Catherine” Jackson. She also had 2 favorite nephews and a niece who she considered her road dogs, Kendric, Kendall, and Tamya Johnson, otherwise known by their nicknames Row & Stone. Tamya’s nickname which Elizabeth hand picked herself, she would call her “Lucy” as to being a “Busy Body” or “Always On The Move.” They would often visit her for the weekends or weekdays during the summer spending time together. They loved going trick-or-treating or doing fireworks on the 4th of July. Whether it be simply going to the movies or having movie night’s at her home, they always enjoyed each other’s company.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Friday (April 10) from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday (April 11) at 10 AM, also at the funeral home. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Burial at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park. Celebrate Elizabeth’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.