Veterans Advocate Elizabeth L. 'Betty' Johnson Dies At 72

CHICAGO, IL — When her son returned home from his third deployment from the Middle East, Elizabeth L. "Betty" Johnson scratched off one item on her bucket list by riding on the back of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle driven by an Illinois Freedom Rider. Known as a tireless advocate for veterans, Johnson passed away Aug. 31 after suffering a series of strokes. She was 72.

Born Betty Przybyla on June 25, 1947, in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood, she was a graduate of Lindbloom High School. Johnson met her future husband, Roy Johnson, a returning Vietnam War veteran, at a work party in 1972. The couple moved to Mount Greenwood in 1977 where they raised two sons.

Johnson worked as a professional clown named "Boomer" and appeared on Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy telethons broadcast locally on Chicago TV stations.

Johnson's son, U.S. Army Major Dan Johnson, said his mother went through a transformation after joining the Auxiliary. She became especially attuned to the challenges facing returning veterans. As a member of the Auxiliary at VFW Post 5220 in Oak Lawn, Johnson held such positions as flag-bearer, and most recently chaplain.

"At the time when I was coming home from tours of duty, I was being praised," Major Dan Johnson said. "I don't think I should have been praised as much as I had been, but as a proud mother she was just happy to see me getting recognition."

She was also a member of the M.O.C. Pup Tent 42 Auxiliary and Queen of Martyrs Altar and Rosary Society, Hearts of Compassion, and was a past district commissioner of the Boys Scouts of America Arrowhead District.

Johnson leaves her husband, Roy, sons Major Dan (Leslie) and Scott (Jennifer) Johnson; a grandson Nathan Parker; sister Katie (the late Ray) Siple and brother Thomas (Sandra) Przybyla. She was the fond aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is set for Sunday, Sept. 8, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Thompson-Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn. Prayers will take place at Thompson-Kuenster at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral mass at Queen of Martyrs Church, 10233 Central Park Ave., Evergreen Park. Interment will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 Auxiliary, 9514 S. 52nd Ave #3000, Oak Lawn, IL 60453; Honor Flight Chicago, 9701 W Higgins Road, Suite 310 Rosemont, IL 60018-4703; or Hearts of Compassion, c/o Kim Przybyla, 1101 Ranch Wood Drive, Shorewood, IL 60604.