Rachel Times

Rachel Cornelius Times passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Detroit, Michigan on August 28, 2020. She was born on June 7, 1946 in Saginaw, Michigan to Charles and Ora (Nichols) Times.

Rachel was baptized at a young age and loved God. She graduated from Carrollton High School’s first graduating class in 1964. She was the first African American cheerleader and the first student in the high school selected to participate in the Foreign Exchange Program, traveling to Germany, France and Spain. Her favorite testimony was, while in Germany exploring, she took a morning swim and a young man saved her from drowning as she drifted farther and farther from shore.

Rachel received her Nursing degree from Highland Park Nursing School, a Bachelor of Science from Madonna University and Master of Science from the University of Phoenix. She worked at various jobs in California and Michigan in nursing homes, hospitals, private duty, and schools. She was an active member of the Saginaw Black Nurses Association, a mentor to many people of all ages and always encouraged others to stay in school.

Rachel was very active in her community, loved her family and offered shelter to many extended family members and friends. She was known for her generosity and kindness. She loved gardening and always shared her bounties. Rachel was always open for new adventures and enjoyed road trips all over the United States. She especially enjoyed attending family reunions. She will be greatly missed.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ora Times; brothers, Charles and Roscoe Times; sister, Berta Times-Sutton.

She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Ora Chiffon (Anthony) Smith, Detroit, Michigan; one granddaughter, Rachel A. Smith; special niece, Renisha V. Times, Washington, D.C.; dearest friends, Dr. Sallie Brodus, Springdale, Maryland, Juliet Hanzy, Los Angeles, California; many other relatives and friends

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