LaRhonda Flowers (Johnson) was born on August 2, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, at Mary B. Talbert Hospital, to the late TJ and Cora Mae Flowers. She was raised alongside her beloved siblings, Paul Flowers, Theresa Robinson, Charles Flowers, and Vickie Jones. (Kenneth Jones)

LaRhonda was driven, intelligent, and exceptionally talented. She graduated from East High School with a high GPA and went on to attend The Ohio State University. She later attended Cuyahoga Community College, where she received her Display IV Certificate. She earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science Information from ICM School of Business and received a Secretarial Science Certificate from the Center for Secretarial Science.

Known as the bridge soul of her family, LaRhonda poured her whole heart into everything she did. She carried a deep and abiding love for her brothers and sisters, often serving as the connector, nurturer, and steady presence who brought everyone together through her care, strength, and devotion. She was a mentor to her sister Vickie, admired her sister Theresa’s drive, and deeply adored her brothers, Paul and Charles.

LaRhonda was the former wife of Steve Johnson, and together they raised two children, Latraniecesa Wilson and Isaiah Johnson. She poured herself fully into motherhood, fiercely advocating for Isaiah throughout his childhood and adulthood, ensuring he always had the support, care, and systems he needed to navigate the world. Isaiah became a stronghold in her life, proudly taking care of matters in the home, and she often shared with pride that he was a great son.

She offered the same unwavering devotion to Latraniecesa, staying up late to help with homework, driving miles to pick her up from college, and offering guidance on work, interviews, and life. Most importantly, she instilled confidence, kindness, and strength in the woman, wife, and mother Latraniecesa would become. LaRhonda proudly celebrated her daughter’s accomplishments and spoke of her with joy to anyone who would listen.

Her son-in-law, Andre Wilson, was deeply loved and respected. She often sought his advice and trusted his insight, proudly sharing, “Andre is so smart,” whether solving car issues or navigating technical challenges.

LaRhonda was also a devoted and loving grandmother to her cherished grandson, Elijah Wilson. There was nothing she would not do for him. She had access to his Ring camera and spent hours watching him from afar, delighting in sharing each moment with her daughter. She lovingly called him her “woota woota,” and during his visits she showered him with hugs, kisses, and endless curiosity, creating memories filled with laughter and love.

She deeply loved her nieces and nephews Damon Flowers, Lasaundra Robinson, Alicia Hurd, Mary Flowers, Ira Robinson, Kenneth Jones Jr., Landis Jones, and Sydney Flowers. LaRhonda proudly cheered them on, celebrated their accomplishments, and wanted each of them to win at life.

LaRhonda was a gifted sewer who spent countless hours creating beautiful outfits for her daughter throughout childhood and teen years. In her prime, she took her sewing seriously, often watching Project Runway and sketching her own designs. Many of the outfits she wore were her own creations, proudly worn to work and dance outings. She dreamed of teaching sewing classes, invested in multiple sewing machines, and built a sewing room that reflected her passion and creativity.

She also found great joy and peace in gardening. One of her favorite plants was the yucca, a reflection of her strength and resilience. At her Monticello home, her backyard was filled with a beautiful variety of flowers that she lovingly tended. In her later years, she focused on growing food alongside her daughter, nurturing not only the garden but the bond they shared. Her love for gardening was passed on to her daughter, continuing a legacy of growth, care, and life-giving work.

LaRhonda had a deep love for cooking and was famous for her German chocolate cake and her grandson’s favorite, strawberry cheesecake. She planned to one day create her own cookbook with the help of her daughter. Her hands were blessed, and everything she touched turned to gold.

Professionally, LaRhonda was admired and respected. During her time at RTA, she was known as dependable, a problem solver, a leader, and a mentor. She was recognized for her radiant smile and contagious laughter, and even when she was not feeling well, she never let it show. Prior to RTA, she worked for the Cleveland School Board of Education, NASA contractor Coleman Spohn Corporation, Call Henry Inc., where she served as the finance accounting administrator, and RAN Associates, where she led the accounting department.

LaRhonda leaves behind a legacy of love, service, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Like the gardens she so lovingly tended, she planted seeds of faith, strength, and compassion in the lives of all who knew her. Through her children, her grandson, and the generations she nurtured, her love continues to grow and bear fruit. Though she has been called home, her spirit remains rooted in our hearts, and her life’s work will forever bloom through those she loved.