Celebrating Jacque Johnson – The Woman Who Lit Up Every Room and Lifted Every Voice
Organizer: on behalf of the Johnson Family
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Description:
If you knew Jacqueline J. Johnson, you knew laughter was never far behind. Jacque – never just “Jacqueline” – had a gift for making everyone feel like family from the moment they met her. Her infectious energy and that unforgettable laugh could fill any space with warmth.
It is with hearts both broken and grateful that we announce Jacque’s passing on April 8, 2025. While we mourn the loss of our beloved matriarch, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, passion, and an unshakeable belief that every person deserves dignity and justice.
The Jacque We Knew and Loved
Jacque wasn’t just an activist – she was a storyteller who could weave tales that had you hanging on every word. She wasn’t just a community leader – she was the neighbor who showed up with a plate of food when you were sick and stayed to make sure you ate every bite. She had opinions about everything (and wasn’t shy about sharing them!), a collection of hats that could rival any department store, and the remarkable ability to remember every birthday, anniversary, and important moment in the lives of people she cared about.
For over 30 years, Jacque poured her heart into Los Angeles and Orange Counties. As Social Editor of the Tri-County Bulletin, she didn’t just report the news – she celebrated achievements, uplifted voices, and made sure every milestone in the African American community was honored. Through her work with the NAACP, Santa Ana Black Historical Society, Community Action Partnership, and the Poor People’s Campaign, Jacque fought battles both big and small, always with a smile on her face and determination in her step.
But ask anyone who really knew her, and they’ll tell you about Jacques’s ability to give advice that was both brutally honest and incredibly loving, and how she could turn any gathering into a celebration. She collected people the way others collect treasures – and every person in her life knew they were valued beyond measure.
Why We’re Asking for Your Help
As we prepare for Jacque’s Celebration of Life on June 21, 2025 (a date she probably would have picked herself – right in the heart of summer when the flowers are blooming), we invite everyone who wishes to celebrate her memory to contribute as well as reaching out to her extended family of friends, colleagues, and community members for support.
Funds raised will help with:
• Memorial service and burial expenses
• Travel support for family members coming to honor her
• Celebration of Life expenses
• Establishing the Jacque Johnson Community Impact Fund – because knowing Jacque, she’d want her legacy to keep working even after she’s gone
Memorial Service Details: Saturday, June 21, 2025 – 11:00 AM
Second Baptist Church
4300 Westminster, Santa Ana, CA 92703
Repast (Immediately Following) – Please bring a dish to share. Jacque always said the best conversations happened over a good meal, and we know she’d want this to be a true celebration filled with stories, laughter, and the community she loved so dearly.
Jacque lived by the belief that we’re all connected, that every small act of kindness matters, and that there’s always room for one more at the table. Help us honor her memory by coming together just as she would have wanted – with open hearts, shared stories, and the knowledge that her spirit lives on in every life she touched.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” – Matthew 25:23
With endless love and gratitude,
The Johnson Family
P.S. – Jacque would have loved knowing that even in her passing, she was still bringing people together. That was always her greatest gift.
