Rachel Elizabeth Hollingsworth

In the song of life, Rachel Elizabeth Hollingsworth was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Rachel preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Rachel believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn't fit in everything she did. Rachel perceived that all of life's possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

      Rachel was born on September 26, 1981 at Winter Park Memorial Hospital in Winter Park, Florida. Her parents were Sam and Rhonda Hollingsworth. Rachel was raised in Sanford, Florida. As a young child, Rachel was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Rachel rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

      Early on in her family relationships, Rachel showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with four siblings. She had one older brother Glen Chastain, two younger brothers Zack and Caleb, and a younger sister, Hannah. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

      As she was growing up, Rachel developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Rachel liked concrete things. Growing up, Rachel took part in street hockey with her friends. She was a Missionette, and the Secretary of her 4-H club. In her spare time she liked Nascar, and fishing with her dad. Bear's memorable achievements included being crowned an Honor Star in 1995, and won 1st place in Consumer Affairs at the Central Florida Fair in 1996 with her 4-H club. However, to Rachel, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

      Early on in her school years, Rachel showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide Rachel with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, she could often be "lost in a book" well above her grade level. Her passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even her teachers recognized it. She graduated from Seminole Community College in 1999. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Painting. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. LeMond, her Psychology teacher. She won first place in the Seminole Community College art contest with a painting, and was offered a full scholarship to Savannah Art Institute.

      Those who didn't know Rachel well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Rachel was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Rachel's, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, some of her best friends were Debbie Stewart Leonardo, Tina Aquiar Parapon, Patrick Helms, and her cousins Justin McCue, and Grace Brown. Later in life, she became friends with Susan Mara, and Melissa McDonald Kirby.

      A person who was sensitive to others' feelings, modest and tolerant, Rachel had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On April 9, 2009, Rachel met and fell in love with her wonderful boyfriend George Johnson Jr., in Kingsland Ga.

      Rachel was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Rachel was blessed with one child, Haley Madison.

      Rachel found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was funeral services. She was employed for Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. Rachel tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

      Rachel enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite place to be was the beach, or somewhere on the water. Rachel was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

      Because she loved the world around her, Rachel enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for her to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Rachel put her personal trademark on any leisure planning that she undertook. Favorite vacations included a missions trip to Italy, and trips with family to the Smoky Mountains as a child.

      Rachel was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Rachel's favorites was Missy, her Chow Mix. They were best friends for 7 years. Her family was rounded out by her dog Daisy Mae.

      Rachel was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Rachel always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Rachel was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Rachel Elizabeth Hollingsworth.