Celeste Johnson

Celeste Johnson

July 31, 1986 – August 23, 2025

With profound love and sorrow, the family of Celeste Johnson announces her passing on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Spotsylvania, Virginia, surrounded by her loved ones. Celeste was born on July 31, 1986, to Jessie "Tonette" Reynolds and Luther Johnson in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Celeste's arrival was a joyful surprise for her mother, Tonette, who often shared how back then there were no ultrasounds or gender reveals, so on the day Celeste was born, she was overwhelmed with excitement to discover her first child and only girl. Celeste grew into a spirited, adventurous, and compassionate woman who touched countless lives with her love, humor, and generosity.

A proud graduate of James Monroe High School, Celeste went on to attend Virginia State University before beginning her career in insurance with GEICO. She later found her greatest calling in being a devoted mother. Known lovingly as a "boy mom," Celeste spent countless hours cheering from the sidelines of football and basketball games, always encouraging her children to succeed. She put her family above all else, pouring every ounce of her heart into raising and guiding them.

Celeste had a way of making everyone feel cared for, whether it was an aunt, a cousin, a neighbor, or a friend, she was always the first to offer help. She loved traveling, creating memories through adventures, and especially enjoyed concerts that filled her spirit with joy. Her adventurous side showed when she booked her and her mother's very first flight to Florida, a trip that will always be remembered.

She will forever be remembered for her booming voice and catchphrase, "Cut it out," often spoken to the kids with a mix of love and humor. Her humor was unmatched, and her laughter will echo in the hearts of those who knew her. Charles fondly recalls the day Celeste met the love of her life, she called him, joking that she had found a man who looked just like him, "big belly and all." Her love, wit, and playfulness defined her spirit.

Celeste is survived by her mother, Jessie "Tonette" Reynolds, her father, Luther Johnson, and her "father by love," Charles Reynolds, Jr., who taught her how to drive, how a woman should be cherished, and was always her go-to handyman. She is also survived by her devoted life partner, Marcus Brown, who stood faithfully by her side through her final days. Above all, she leaves behind her beloved children: Chaz Robinson, Kace Brown, and her son by love, Gabe Brown, who were truly the center of her world.

Her memory lives on in her siblings, Allen Johnson, Darius Reynolds, and Whitney Reynolds, as well as many other brothers and sisters. She is also lovingly remembered by her nephew Izzy Johnson, her special cousin/brother Tony Lewis, her aunts Samantha Jackson, Trivia Wormley, Sari Jackson, Casey Jackson, her uncles James Jackson and Stephan Banks, and her grandmother Virginia Johnson.

Celeste was preceded in death by her grandfather, Jessie J. Jackson.

Celeste's legacy is one of boundless love, laughter, and light. She will be remembered not only as a daughter, sister, partner, and mother, but as a friend to many, a helper to all, and a woman whose voice and presence will never fade.

A Glimpse Back to July 31, 1986

On the day Celeste was born, the world was alive with milestones. That summer, the Statue of Liberty was celebrating its centennial, and the world watched as new technology like the IBM PC and cell phones began shaping the future. In music, Whitney Houston's voice soared on the radio, and the Mets were on their way to winning the World Series. It was a time of change, hope, and energy, just like the new life that entered the world that day. Celeste carried that same spirit of excitement, resilience, and love throughout her life.