Welcome to What We Remember, our reader-submitted obituary series. Submit your story for next Sunday’s installment here.
Monica Rhor, 65
Unforgettable stories about forgotten people
I asked Monica recently what she does with the pain of bearing witness to so much suffering all the time and if the hurt ever goes away.
To my surprise, she said no, it recedes and dulls over time, but remembering that the world isn’t as it ought to be is what drives powerful journalism.
For nearly 20 years, Monica inculcated generations of journalists of color with writing wisdom — avoid ending stories with quotes, punch with powerful verbs — while convincing them that they belonged in an industry that wasn’t always welcoming.
Rhor’s brand of empathetic, justice-driven journalism was developed over a career of advocating for diversity in newsrooms and telling unforgettable stories about forgotten people.
Born premature in Ecuador, “Moniquita,” as her mother called her, survived with characteristic boldness and sheer will. Her younger sister said, “Where others fear to tread, she was the one who said, ’I’m in.’”
Monica Rhor was a journalist and mentor. She died on All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1, in Houston.
— By her friend and mentee Arelis R. Hernández
Christopher Charles Johnson, 66
A ‘road dog’ supreme
When growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in a small Kansas town, my cousins were my best friends. We went to church together, hit the pool together, played sports together and went to school together.
One of them, Christopher “Bubba” Johnson, was a road dog supreme. Always down for a road trip, we’d find a party whether it be in Kansas City, Atlanta, Denver, Albuquerque, Dallas or anywhere in California, chasing “trillies,” Aunt Sue used to say, referring to the young ladies we ran around with.
We’d just jump in the car and go. We had big fun and made wonderful memories. I am grateful for the time together and thankful for being able to spend those last hours with him. Love you, cuz! Tears to follow; good times remembered.
Christopher Charles Johnson, “the last of the road dogs supreme,” worked in sales. He died July 16 in Dallas.
— By his cousin John H. Thomas
Phillip Moore, 68
Steering others through predicaments
My friend of 40 years, Phillip Moore, was a brilliant listener and consummate doer who embraced life’s best and cared deeply for family and his many friends. This extraordinary talent set him apart from any other person I’ve known.
He embodied a social spirit of “do it now, not later” attitude to the point of giddy exhaustion, although never seeming spent. He assisted neighbors, volunteered at churches and generously supported a variety of charities.
As a life coach, he derived profound joy in steering others through thorny predicaments. It’s inspiring to believe he didn’t miss a beat or occasion to live life on his terms.
Phillip Randolph Moore was a technical writer, author and life coach who loved dining out and celebrating milestones. He died Sept. 15 in Washington, D.C.
— By his friend Nettie Blue
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The Post is publishing reader-submitted obituaries as part of a weekly feature, What We Remember.
The post A mentor said the pain never goes away, but it can fuel powerful journalism appeared first on Washington Post.
