During the early morning of April 8, 2023, our dearly loved, Chrisolene Johnson went home to be with the Lord.

She was baptized at an early age at Evening Star Holiness Church in Dunn, N.C. She later became a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church for 24 years. She dedicated herself singing in the choir even when she didn't feel well.

Chrisolene was born July 29, 1953 in Dunn, NC to the late Christine O. Redcross and living father Russell Draughon. She was educated in the Dunn, NC public school system where she attended Harnett High School. She later moved to Hampton, Virginia where she attended and graduated from Hampton High School. Chrisolene was the Manager of Chic-Fil-A owned by Kevin Harrison.  Kevin trusted her with everything when it came to managing his store. When she became sick with kidney failure, she retired. Chrisolene battled with kidney failure and going to dialysis for over 20 years. She had her days, but she let her good days outweigh her bad days. She had such a wonderful, loving, kind spirit. Everybody to her was her honey, baby, sweetie and darling. She was a loving mother devoted to her family, she enjoyed cooking, always would lend a helping hand and with no doubt, she truly loves the Lord as she would always sing praises unto Him. One of her favorite songs she would sing with the Mass Choir of Gethsemane Baptist was "Order My Steps". She would hold that note so long, you would have never known she was a dialysis patient.

Chrisolene was truly a fighter, she kept going, she kept pushing, she wanted to do things by herself when she knew she needed help. Her children stood by her side and did everything in their power to make sure she was taken care of. Deandra loved her self some Chrisolene. She was loved by so many people – what a blessing she was to all of us. We all stood together as family to be there for her.

In addition to her mother, Chrisolene was preceded in death by three brothers – Leon Draughon, Thomas Draughon and Emanuel Matthews, Sr., one sister – Terri Reed

She leaves to cherish her memory, her father, Russel Draughon (Dalene) of Ohio, one daughter – Joyce Gill (Craig) of Maryland, one son – Jovan White (Deandra) of Newport News, Virginia. Three sisters – Veronica Player (Larry), N.N., Virginia, Trina Draughon of Ohio and Melissa Majors (Terrance) of Texas. Three brothers – Junnie Redcross (Dorothy) of N.N., Virginia, Steve Draughon of Ohio and Shawn Draughon of Ohio. Four Grandchildren – Darrien Gill, DaVaughn Gill, Donovan Gill and Minya White.  A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held Friday, April 14, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, VA. 23607. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15,2023 at Gethsemane Baptist Church ,5405 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, VA.