[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DAPHNE D. JOHNSON

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                         HON. JAMES B. RENACCI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2018

  Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Daphne D. Johnson, mother of Kim and Nakia, and wife of Alex Johnson. 
As all of her loved ones can attest, Daphne Johnson cared deeply, loved 
greatly, and lived life to the fullest.
   Daphne Johnson was born on August 27, 1949 in the tight knit 
community of Leaksville, North Carolina. Her family moved to 
Youngstown, Ohio in 1963 where she attended Rayen High School. As a 
young adult, she found a profound passion for creating art work from 
embroidery, porcelain, and fabrics. Daphne attended Winston-Salem State 
University in North Carolina and completed a degree from Cuyahoga 
Community College in Cleveland, Ohio. She carried on her love of 
learning throughout her life. Daphne had a gift for creating and used 
her talents to share the stories of the world. For the last two 
decades, she focused on quilting in celebration of the deep history of 
quilting by African-American women. She used fabrics from Ghana, Egypt, 
Kenya, and Senegal to share the traditions of quilting and the stories 
of enslaved women who used scraps of materials to hand-sew quilts. 
Daphne described her art as ``works that encompass tradition, beauty, 
and practicality.'' Daphne's art was shared throughout the United 
States and undoubtedly inspired others.
   Throughout her life, Daphne was bold and brought passion into all of 
her life's work. She was a lover of all animals and held affection for 
rescuing dogs. She traveled all over the world, especially to the sunny 
shores of Punta Cana, Cancun, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Haiti. Her visit 
to Israel was especially enlightening as Daphne saw her spiritual 
teachings embodied at the Sea of Galilee and throughout Jerusalem. 
Daphne was an accomplished adventurer, even learning how to swim late 
in life to overcome her fear of water. Throughout her many travels and 
activities, Daphne spread her joy and love of life with her many 
friends and loved ones.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize a life so fully lived. 
Daphne Johnson was a caring mother and wife and active servant of her 
community. A gifted and talented individual, Daphne truly loved 
exploring the world and sharing her passions with others. She is 
survived by her husband, children, numerous grandchildren and a large 
family who will fondly remember her creative spirit and caring soul. 
Daphne was a great light to all who knew her. I ask my colleagues of 
the House to join me in paying tribute to the beloved Daphne D. 
Johnson.

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