Helen Rainwater, a devoted mother and grandmother, pioneering professional, and an advocate for social justice, passed away peacefully Dec. 12 at the age of 80.
Born Helen Johnson on Dec. 30, 1944, hers was a life defined by incredible strength, love of family, and an unwavering commitment to her community.
She began her journey in Seattle, born to Frederick Lee Johnson and Alberta Lucy Johnson (née Baker). She shined in her early years as an honor roll student, all-state cheerleader and a lead journalist for the school newspaper. She once interviewed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
She married her high school sweetheart James Hunter and later Dennis Williams, after moving to California. The Williamses shared two children, Dennis “Rick” Williams Jr. and Crystal Williams, and granddaughter Raquel.
Professionally, she dedicated more than 20 years of public service to the State of California, eventually retiring from CalTrans. Colleagues knew her as a tireless worker who paved the way for others through her relentless work ethic and commitment to be and showcase excellence.
Later in life, she found great joy and companionship in her marriage to Clyde Rainwater. Together, they shared a love for adventure, traveling the world and hosting lively gatherings for friends and family. They also were active in the Sacramento Economic Empowerment Congress, the Sacramento branch of the NAACP, St. Andrew’s AME Church, Women’s Civic Improvement Center, and Sacramento Vikings Cheerleading. Rainwater was a lead organizer of Sacramento’s Thousand Man March for Civil Rights. Additionally, she worked with her husband Clyde to publish a weekly political column for The OBSERVER.
Following Clyde Rainwater’s untimely passing, Helen relocated to the Bay Area to be near her daughter and granddaughter. In Alameda, she became a fixture in the lives of her family. An avid Bay Area sports fan, she brought her signature passion to every game day.
She taught her family by example and was a staunch believer in African American rights and women’s equality, instilling in her children and grandchildren the courage to fight for their belief, something they still carry with them today.
Rainwater returned to Sacramento five years ago and continued to travel, inspire others and lead the future generations of her family.
She is survived by her children, Dennis “Rick” Williams Jr. and Crystal Williams; her beloved granddaughter, Raquel; and a host of family and friends.
Services for Rainwater were held Jan. 15 at St. Andrew’s AME.
The family requests that donations be made in Rainwater’s honor to ACC Senior Services of Sacramento or your local senior center, as she believed in the power of community and the dignity of our elders. Supporting these services, they believe, ensures that her spirit of leadership and care continues to thrive.