Rhonda Diane Johnson, 61, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 29, 2023 in a local hospital, surrounded with love by her family. She was born Aug. 24, 1961 in Chattanooga to James Willie and Callie Mae Jefferson. Diane gave her life to the Lord at an early age. She loved people. She was an avid music fan and enjoyed get-togethers with her family and friends. Diane loved to cook, and was a fabulous baker, but loved it when people enjoyed her cooking even more. She attended Fisk University and was the first family member to graduate from college, earning her bachelor of arts in social work. She dedicated her life to the service of others, particularly children in the foster care system. For many years Diane worked at the Department of Human Services and Youth Villages and loved it.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Willie and Callie Mae Jefferson; brother, Wesley Ward, Jr.; and sister, Lyla Jean Jefferson.
Diane is survived by her sons, William C. Johnson, III of Chattanooga and Technical Sergeant Corey Johnson, U. S. Air Force, stationed in Misawa, Japan with wife, Kayoko, who is expecting the couple's second child; grandchildren, Xavior Robinson, Zion Chatman, both of Chattanooga, and Ashley Johnson of Misawa, Japan; great-grandchild, Xavion Robinson, of Chattanooga; sisters, Eva Ivory, Cynthia (Lonnie) Smith, both of Chattanooga, and Gladys Jefferson, of San Francisco, Ca.; special niece, Tamara (Adrian) Steward, of Chattanooga; and beloved nephew, Mario (Justine) Jefferson, of Chattanooga; daughter-in-love, Laylona Chatman, of Chattanooga; adoptive sons, N'Taj Brown, Russ Rebennack, both of Nashville, TN, and Steven Clark of Chattanooga; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Diane loved her family deeply and fiercely and will be sorely missed.
Diane will lie-in-state on Saturday, July 8 at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at noon in the chapel. A private family burial will be Tuesday, July 11 in Lakewood Memory Gardens East.