Iris Johnson-Bright

JOHNSON-BRIGHT, Iris Ms. Iris Johnson-Bright, one of four children born to the late Mr. Gene Johnson and Mrs. Vera Johnson on January 8, 1952, peacefully exchanged time for eternal life during the afternoon on July 26, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Iris was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and moved with her family to California in 1962. She received her Bachelor's degree from UCLA in 1974, graduating with honors. Iris continued at UCLA in a joint degree program at the Graduate School of Management and Finance and School of Law, obtaining her Juris Doctorate and MBA in 1979. While attending UCLA, Iris met and married the late James Bright. She began her career working for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles before establishing her solo practice. Her passion was working with legal and community organizations seeking equality for all and giving aid to the poor and underprivileged. She was a dedicated leader in the National Conference of Black Lawyers where she held national and regional board positions for several years. Iris also was a member of the National Lawyers' Guild, Langston Hughes Bar Association and Black Women Lawyers. Among the numerous community organizations she joined, Iris held board positions on the South Central Multipurpose Senior Citizens' Center, Black Community Health Task Force, and Hubert Humphrey Comprehensive Health Center Women's Health Center. During her work with senior citizens, Iris was an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Gerontology, at the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science. Most recently, Iris was an adjunct professor in Business Administration and Ethics at West Los Angeles Community College. In her spare time, Iris enjoyed travel, socializing with friends, young and old, and listening to all types of music, especially jazz and rap. Her love of music led her to establish a music publishing and management company, Isis Publishing Company in Los Angeles. Iris leaves to cherish her memory: a mother, Mrs. Vera Johnson; sisters Ouida, Lisa, and Karyn; nieces Kara, Tia, and Ashleigh; nephews Larry, Gene, Arlen, Buford, and Richard; and a host of family and dear friends. A memorial celebration will be held in Los Angeles on August 22, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Academy Cathedral, 3141 W. Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90305. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Iris Johnson-Bright Memorial Fund. Donations may be made at any Bank of America, or checks made payable to the Iris Johnson-Bright Memorial Fund may be forwarded to Violet C. Rabaya, c/o the Law Offices of Violet C. Rabaya, 1801 Century Park East, 23rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90067.