Ms. Carmen R. Johnson

Obituary Carmen Regina Johnson was born on June 5, 1953, to Willie and Mattie Johnson, in Fredericksburg, Va. She departed this life on June 13, 2023. Carmen was a very smart, creative, and talented person. She attended Walker Grant Elementary School and James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Carmen graduated with honors from James Monroe High School in 1971 while there she was active in the National Honor Society, Spanish club, and Basketball. Carmen attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and graduating in 1979 with a Juris Doctorate Degree. In 1973, while at the University of Virginia, Carmen chartered (along with 12 other young ladies) the Kappa Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As a result of this, she was able to forge many close relationships that have continued throughout the years. Carmen worked at the National Urban League in Washington, DC. She also served as an attorney advisor at the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) where she provided legal advice on consumer protection and business regulation issues. Carmen was also the very first recipient of the Carol B. Thompson Excellence in Government Internship Award. This major award led to her becoming the principal author of the Health Occupations and Regulatory Act, the major legislation in the District of Columbia that sets forth the standards for practicing health care in the District of Columbia. Carmen was also an Assistant Attorney General, Office of the General Counsel, with the District of Columbia Department of Health for nearly 30 years. Carmen was assigned to the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, where she had a profound impact on the practice of health law. Renowned for her legal acumen, Carmen used her brilliant mind and passion to advocate for DC residents so that they might receive care in accordance with the highest standards. She represented DC Health in major civil hearings where she led significant victories in landmark cases acknowledged by federal and local governments resulting in civil penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Carmen was known for her enduring legal and unwavering commitment, integrity, and exceptional contributions during her tenure with DC Health. Carmen loved her job and the opportunity to serve as an advocate for people. She retired in March 2023. Carmen had a lifelong love of poetry. One of Carmen’s favorite pastimes was eating crabs. Carmen is survived by her brothers Timothy and Andre’, nephew Timothy and niece Tierra, one aunt Thelma Herndon and a host of cousins, friends, and loved ones. Thank you, Carmen, for being our sister, our aunt, our niece, our cousin, our friend.

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Ms. Carmen R. Johnson

June 5, 1953 - June 13, 2023