Rachel Yvonne Johnson

Our Angel, Rachel Yvonne Calahan – Johnson, was born to Celester and Shirley (Bledsoe) Calahan on October 11, 1961 in Dallas, TX. Rachel was the first of the “Fab Five” of Fox and Shirley’s tribe. Shortly after her came Lisa, Theresa, Celester Jr. and finally, Monica. They were raised in Singing Hills of Oak Cliff, TX and are considered one of the original black families of the neighborhood. The family matriarch, Grandma Leathie Bledsoe, was instrumental in rearing Rachel to be strong, God-fearing and unapologetically herself in those formative years. Rachel was Singing Hills bred and Singing Hills fed as she attended R. L. Thornton Elementary, D. L. Hulcy Junior High and was a 1980 graduate of the infamous South Oak Cliff Golden Bears where she was a proud member of the SOC Pivoteers Drill Team. Rachel’s greatest accomplishment, as she would say, was falling in love with Jesus. She accepted Christ at the Greater New Bethel Baptist Church and was baptized at 11 years old. She loved the Lord and she loved learning about his goodness and mercies all the days of her life. Rachel was a devoted servant and lover of the Word. She later attended the Willow Grove Baptist Church where she served as Deaconess, Youth Director, Voices of Praise, S.W.I.M. and Women’s Ministry. She was intricate in VBS, Willow Grove Academy, Camp I Can and when the spirit came upon her, cleaning and rearranging the entire church. Rachel met the love of her life, Ronald Keith Johnson in the winter of 1982. He was a brooding football player that doted on her every moment. She lovingly received his four-year-old daughter, her Prize, Kenosha as a package deal and on September 6, 1986 the two became one in a beautifully unforgettable ceremony at Greater New Bethel. Rachel graduated from bonus mom to birth mom in April of 1992 when Kieona, her Pride and twin, was born. And finally in March of 1996, her Joy, Ronald Keith II bounced in and shook their world. She loved her family in every way, all the way until her last breath. Rachel Yvonne Calahan Johnson, a beloved daughter, wife, mother, Nan-Nan, niece, sister, big cousin, aunt, and friend, passed away on February 21, 2024 surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories, her Husband, Her Prize, Pride, and Joy and a host of many relatives and friends. We will never forget her smile, her laughter and the undying spirit she left us all with. So Long, Rae-C Well Done.