Vera Mae Rahman

The Obituary
Vera Mae (Johnson) Rahman was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 31st, 1940 to the late Damon and Mabel Johnson. She was the third born of four children. She grew up in the Baptist church and gave her life to Christ at an early age.

In 1997 she reunited and married her childhood sweetheart, Jamil Rahman A.K.A. James Willingham, Jr., who proceeded her in death. Through this union she became a part of the Muslim faith where she dedicated her time, talent, skills and energy, enriching the progression of the Muslim Islamic Center of Westwood, Ohio.

Vera loved the Lord and recommitted her life back to Jesus Christ. On October 23, 2012, God called her home.

Vera obtained an Associates Degree in Science at Raymond Walters University. She went on to pursue a Bachelors of Science Degree at the University of Cincinnati and graduated in 1988. She retired from Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2001 as an analytical chemist. She was recognized for great contributions and accomplishments in the field of science. In 1984 Vera received a President's Award for her achievements as an analytical chemist and was acknowledged in 1985 as a Black Achiever by the YMCA, profiling her leadership.

Vera was a pioneer of education and a great mentor. She truly believed that education was the path to success. She was instrumental in encouraging her grandchildren Jameel (proceeded her in death), Jene', Jamar, and Ja'lah to strive for academic excellence in education. She selflessly dedicated herself and her time to tutoring math and science to generations of family and friends. She was a positive influence to her two nieces, Bonita and Joyce and her two great nieces, Jerin and Jalessa, as they pursued their goals of higher education. Her favorite quote was, "Life is dictated by the choices you make." She would say, "I'd rather make walnuts than peanuts".

Vera loved her three sisters and family; especially her two daughters. She was proud of the two women they became. She referred to them as "Her Two Thangs". "Thang One and Thang Two". She always said what she meant and meant what she said. Vera worked tirelessly for the Harmon-Johnson family as their official communicator. She enjoyed participating and organizing family gatherings. She loved fishing at Lake Waynoka, crocheting, knitting, traveling, tutoring and working Sudoku puzzles. She was passionate about politics and the upcoming Presidential elections. She was extremely excited about seeing the first African American President in office.

She was blessed and highly favored.

Vera leaves to cherish her memory; two daughters, Shyrle V. Johnson-Davis and Yvette R. Willingham; three sisters, Dolores E. Barnes, Lessie E. Martinez and Thelma J. Carpenter (William); grandchildren, Jene' B. Davis, Jamar E. Willingham, Ja'Lah B. Willingham; two great grandchildren, MaKalah L. Willingham, Jaydan A. Jones; a host of nieces and nephews, special cousin, Willie Lee Johnson and family; a surrogate son, Saddiq Rahman; five step-children, Stephanie, Christine, Vincent, Kemuel and Tarajee; her special friends; Salimah Sulaimann, Musa and Sameerah Abdullah, Vanessa Alim and Sakeenah Abdullah.