Rochelle Andre Johnson
July 21, 1961 ~ April 20, 2025
Rochelle Johnson peacefully passed away at Piedmont Hospital on April 20, 2025, at the age of 63. Born on July 21, 1961, in New Orleans, LA, Rochelle went to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness.
Predeceased by her father, Elbert Johnson Sr., and all her grandparents, Rochelle is lovingly remembered by her mother, Thyra Johnson; siblings, Elbert Johnson Jr. (Myrna) of New Orleans, Sean Johnson-Woods (Nathan) of McDonough, GA, and Rene Pittman (Stanton) of McDonough, GA; nieces and nephews, Elbert Johnson III, Brandy Richardson, Rodrick Johnson, Nathan Johnson (Kristina), Christina Williams (Alfredo), Stephanie Pittman (Aaron), and Stanton Pittman Jr.; great nieces and nephews, Elbert Johnson IV, Connor Williams, Caleb Williams, Peyton Williams, Sofia Johnson, Paisley Williams; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
Rochelle was born in New Orleans, LA, the second child of Elbert and Thyra Johnson. She graduated from G.W. Carver Sr. High School in 1979 and earned a bachelor's degree in Human Resources from the University of Maryland. Rochelle had a passion for animal rescue, family vacations, and cruising. She also enjoyed Hamilton, plays (musicals), and shopping.
Her warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Acknowledgements
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Captioning Institute for their unwavering support and dedication. Special thanks to CEO Gene Chao, President Meredith Patterson, and Executive VP Beth Nubbe.
We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to Pastor Dr. Gena Gibson and Bishop Gibson for their spiritual guidance and encouragement.
Your contributions have made a significant impact, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support.
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Rochelle worked at the National Captioning Institute for more than 20 years, where she was respected and admired by everyone, from new employees who met her during the interview process, to the members of the board, who looked forward to seeing her during their annual visits. She was a role model, mentor, and friend to me. I treasure her memory and the lessons I learned from her over the years. I will especially remember her kindness to people and her love of nature and animals. Rest in peace, dear friend.
For years, I had the pleasure of working with Rochelle. I live in Dallas so she would advise me on different things throughout the years.
I remember us talking about cakes. My mother was a baker, and I asked her what her favorite cake was. Without missing a beat, she told me she loved yellow cake right out of the oven. It was warm and sweet. She said she didn’t need the icing just that warm cake.
Rochelle wore many hats at NCI. She loved her work, but I think she loved us more. She is in Jesus’s arms now.
I didn’t work with Rochelle long, like many of her NCI colleagues did, but in the short time we worked together, I sure did come to know what they felt and described. I was lucky enough to conduct interviews with Rochelle’s assistance and guidance and coordinate the process of onboarding our next team members. Rochelle was perfect for her position; smart and “on top of it,” with a kindness that made every candidate feel welcome and at ease during the interview process. Not only did I appreciate her, but so did every candidate who has ever applied and interviewed for a position at NCI that she was handling.
Rest in peace, my friend. You have been missed, and will continue to be. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Rochelle’s family and close friends during this difficult time.
It pierced my heart to open this page and see Rochelle’s beautiful picture. I worked closely with Rochelle for 20 years and hear her reassuring, calm, patient voice clear as ever. She navigated so many challenging HR situations with confidence and skill. We relied on her instincts to guide us through uncharted territory many, many times. She was the consummate professional, but I most enjoyed when we had personal chats that ended in laughter. She will be missed by so, so many. My deepest condolences to her beloved family.
Although I’d known Rochelle in a professional capacity for a long time, it wasn’t until about two years ago that I had the great fortune to work with her closely and talk with her at length. During several meetings each week, I received the immense benefit of her instruction; but more than that, I had the chance to get to know her and become her friend. I always looked forward to our chats and appreciated her endless patience, kindness, and humor. I have truly missed our conversations, but I take comfort in knowing she is now at rest.
I worked with Rochelle for many years at NCI. She was always kind and helpful. Every company should have a Rochelle. She is greatly missed.
I remember when Elena Winfrey (Former Hr Director)
introduced me to Rochelle She was newly hired at NCI. When she spoke, i heard that New Orleans accent. I asked her what is a New Orleans girl doing in Washington DC. We laughed and talk about New Orleans forgetting what the call was about. Rochelle was smart, kind and had empathy for others. She will be missed. Praying for the family and her love ones.
Bible verse
Matthew 11:28
My condolences to the family. Praying that the Lord provides you with comfort during such a time.
Matthew 5:4 (KJV): “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
From Peaches
One thing I remember most about Rochelle, besides her killer fashion sense and gentle kindness, was her sense of humor. She loved to laugh and I cherish all the random giggles we were able to share. Rest in Peace, Dearest Rochelle. We can all be happy to know you’re blessed, healthy, and free from your earthly burden. Also wishing peace to Rochelle’s loved ones in their time of loss.
I was devastated to learn of Rochelle’s passing. She was the ever-professional HR representative who onboarded me at NCI in 2006, and I had the great pleasure of working and laughing with her in our Virginia office in person and over the years remotely. Rochelle was always clear, focused, upbeat, and knowledgeable. You could talk to Rochelle. Her presence uplifted those around her. She was encouraging, understanding, and proficient. My heart goes out to all her family and friends. She will always be a light in my memories and life.