Elizabeth Johnson Pongonis

BYRD FUNERAL HOME ON WEST MAIN STREET

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Posted by: ByrdFuneralHome
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334-793-3003
Date: Jun 07 2013 5:25 PM

Byrd Funeral Home

3409 W. Main Street

Dothan, Alabama 36305

334.793.3003

byrdfuneralhome.com

 

Elizabeth Johnson Pongonis

Elizabeth Wheelock Johnson Pongonis (Betty), 100, died peacefully on Thursday, June 6, 2013.

A memorial celebration of her well-lived life will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 10, 2013 at Byrd Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Hays McKay officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Monday.

She is survived by her son, James A. Pongonis and wife, Sandy, Dothan, AL; her daughter’s husband, Leo Lugenbeal, Colorado Springs, CO; four grandchildren, Kristine Richardson, Longmont, CO; Laura Howse and husband, Ben, Laurel, MS; Jay Pongonis and wife, Robin, Marietta, GA; and Rob Pongonis and wife, Beth, Headland, AL.  She is also survived by 9 great grandchildren, Garrett, Leslee, and Thomas Howse; and Alex, Anne Briscoe, Janie, Andy, Libby and Margaret Pongonis as well as nieces and nephews, Sue (Dave) Humphrey, CA, Elizabeth Rusk, Bob (Marilyn) Rusk and Lonnie Rusk, NV.

Betty was predeceased by her mother and father, Arthur and Mary Currier Johnson, her beloved daughter, Barbara Lugenbeal, sister, Pat Case, granddaughter, Leslee Lugenbeal Gibson and numerous extended family members and dear friends. 

Born in Los Angeles, CA, Betty enjoyed a wonderful childhood surrounded by loving parents and a large extended family.  Her husband was a career Army officer, and she kept the home fires burning while he was deployed during World War II and the Korean War.  They lived in numerous locations across the U.S and in Japan.  Betty supported the military throughout her life in numerous ways and was recognized for her volunteer efforts.

She moved to Berkeley, CA, after the children grew up to be near aging relatives, and was employed as a pediatric office receptionist.  In the early 1990’s she relocated to Dothan, AL, to be near Jim, Sandy and the grandchildren. 

She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and to 16 foreign countries.  No matter where she visited or lived, she enjoyed soaking up the culture, meeting the people and learning about the area.  She had a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor and was spunky and feisty her entire life. 

Betty loved to walk and exercise and was a huge fan of baseball and her special teams, the Oakland A’s and Atlanta Braves.  She also kept up-to-date on current events and loved to read.  A nature lover, she could not be outside without admiring God’s handiwork in the colorful flowers, the shades of green in spring foliage and the ever-changing formations of clouds in the beautiful skies.  She leaves us with a wealth of beautiful memories.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, online at cancer.org/donate, or the SE Alabama Medical Center Foundation Champions of Hope, 1922 Fairview Avenue, Dothan, AL 36301, online at donate.seamcfoundation.org (please earmark all donations for breast cancer) or to the charity of your choice.

 

Express your condolences online at www.byrdfuneralhome.com.

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