Soroptimist Rockwall honors Claudette Johnson with Ruby Award

ROCKWALL, TX (Aug. 10, 2022) Cindy Lindley and Sue Reeves presented Claudette Johnson the Soroptimist International of Rockwall’s 2022 Ruby Award today in honor of her 45+ years of volunteer service in the Rockwall community.

Because of Claudette Johnson, Rockwall County is a better place for so many; and Soroptimist International of Rockwall wanted to recognize her and thank her for her vision, passion and servant’s heart.

The club’s past recipients include Cynthia Izaguirre, Margo Neilson, Melissa Woodward, Lori Stevens, Kenda Culpepper, and Patricia Mejia. Princess Diana, Shirley Temple Black and the former President of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino, are also Ruby Award recipients.

Claudette helped the Diocese of Dallas start Our Lady of the Lake Church in Rockwall and was instrumental in helping the parish move into its downtown location. She also worked tirelessly to help secure its present location on Damascus Rd.

Along with the Reverend Bob Reeves, Claudette cofounded Helping Hands, which is now the largest family assistance entity in the county. She also helped create the Committee on Aging so that Rockwall could get their own Meals on Wheels and have the Rockwall Independent School District prepare the meals. She served on the first Board of Directors for Reese Manor and helped secure the land for that low-cost housing unit.

Claudette joined the brand-new Friends of the Library and was in charge of food for the year. She created the Library Lunch Basket and received the Hartman Award in 1986.

To continue raising money for a much-needed library and a kitchen for the Council of Catholic Women, Claudette, along with Claudette Hatfield, started the first Pumpkin Patch as a joint fundraiser for the two groups. The Pumpkin Patch operated every October for 25 years with only volunteer help from both organizations.

Courtesy photo.