Rachel Johnson Obituary

Rachel A. Johnson

November 20, 1949 - December 28, 2024

BLOOMINGTON - Rachel A. Johnson, age 75, of Bloomington, Ill., passed away unexpectedly at 7:31 p.m., on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Ill.

Rachel was a beloved wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother. Her life was marked by a heart full of love for Jesus. She and her husband, Wes Johnson Jr., shared 50 wonderful years of marriage, building a legacy of love, service, and faith that touched everyone around them. Wes Jr. survives her, along with their two children, Wes (Melinda) Johnson, of Normal, Ill., and Sarah (Sam) Mahisekar, of Wheaton, Ill. Rachel is also survived by her dear cousin, Deb Banks, of Quincy, Ill., along with many other family members and friends.

A proud and loving grandmother, Rachel cherished her role and took great joy in watching her eight grandchildren grow and thrive, Liliana (18), Wesley IV (17), Ravi (14), Alina (14), Seth (12), Laurel (10), Selah (nine), and Josie (eight).

Rachel dedicated much of her life to teaching and serving others. She was a children's leader for Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for many years and served as a Sunday School teacher for as long as anyone can remember. Her warm and welcoming nature made everyone feel at home, valued, and cherished. As the saying goes, "People may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Rachel's kindness and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Rachel was born on November 20, 1949, in Quincy, Ill., to Dwayne and Rosalind (Thomas) Brickman. She graduated from Normal Community High School and attended Colorado State University, where she discovered her passion for education. Rachel began her teaching career in the El Paso school district, but after starting her family, she chose to leave her career and dedicate herself fully to raising her children.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Dwayne and Rosalind; her brother, James (Jim) Brickman; and her sister, Rosalind Holt.

A longtime member of Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington, Ill., Rachel's faith was an integral part of her life. She found deep joy in her church community and touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and servant heart.

Rachel's family will Celebrate her Life with a funeral service at 1 p.m., on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Eastview Christian Church, 1500 N. Airport Road, Normal, Ill. The service will be officiated by Gary York. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the same day, January 6, 2025, at the church.

Arrangements are being handled by Beck Memorial Home, Bloomington, Ill.

Please share your condolences and treasured memories of Rachel at www.beckmemorial.com.