Carmen Gabriele was born on March 8, 1953 in Ludwigsburg, Germany to Robert and Ruth Waltraud Lee (nee Ritter). Carmen graduated in 1970 and began her career as a translator later enlisting into the Women's Army Core (WAC) in 1973, which merged into the United States Army in 1978, with a double MOS of 21 Delta & Linguist. She received various awards ranging from the Medal of Good Conduct to the Medal of National Defense Service with a Service Star.
After retirement, Carmen held various careers as a paralegal, medical records manager for Arrowhead Health Group, Supervisor for OSI Collections, and Store Manager for Amazing Rooms. Carmen received her legal education and training from Xavier University. She was also a certified notary public. Carmen was an active member of the Veterans for God and Country Ministry, VFW Post 6330, Clayton House Inc., American Legion in Mableton, as well as an active supporter of both The Special Olympics and The American Cancer Society.
Married to James V. Johnson, Carmen is survived by her children; Nathaniel, Antonio, Jaca, James, and Robert (Cornelia), grandchildren; Ariyana, Felicia, Vanessa, Shayla, Avery, Jayson and an army of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her parents; Robert and Ruth Waltraud, father and mother-in-law, children; James and Jamie-Faith and sister; Marion Waltraud and brother-in-law; Henry Lewis preceded her in death.
Carmen was a dynamic, vibrant, funny and caring mother with many interests. She lived her life on her own terms, frank and honest at all times, she was so proud of many things in her life but nothing beat being a grandmother, so they called her "Omi".
Her love of traveling allotted her to travel to over 30 countries. Her story is the greatest legacy of love and compassion that you have ever heard, so much so that Carmen carved her name on so many hearts. She would always say that "legacy is not leaving something for people, but it is leaving something in people."
Carmen succumbed to her tedious battle with metastatic endometrial cancer on Sunday, October 11, 2020. Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing. It would be wrong to say that Carmen lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. Anyone else would have broke but she stayed strong. It is through her that we know what resilience and perseverance truly looks like. There was no quit in Carmen. Just because she is no longer here doesn't mean she lost her fight.
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