Geraldine Rene (Johnson) Johnson-Taylor

Geraldine Rene Taylor was born on January 21, 1960. She was the beautiful daughter born to Earlene “Toy” Smith and Gerald Johnson (deceased).

After graduation from Penn Hills Senior High in 1978, she attended the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland Pennsylvania.

Upon leaving Pitt, Rene enlisted in the Air Force in November 1982. Her first assignment was to the 9th Field Maintenance Squadron (9thFMS) Beale Air Force Base California. She was assigned to the prestigious SR-71 and U2-R Reconnaissance and Surveillance Aircraft as an in shop and flight line mechanic. In January 1986, after cross training she was assigned to the 1928th Information Systems Group, MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida as a Satellite Communication Apprentice. Here she performed maintenance in highly sensitive and classified portable Satellite Transceivers and Fixed Satellite Terminals. This in support of the US Special Operations Command, US Central Command and The Joint Communication Support Element (JCSE).

On July 28, 1989, Geraldine married the love of her life, Geoff C. Taylor of New York who was also in the US Air Force. To this union was born one handsome son, Kyle Maxwell and one gorgeous daughter, Courtney Michelle.

Rene’s next assignment took her around the world to the 1962nd Communications Group, Kadena AFB Okinawa, Japan, as a Wideband Communication Technician Supervisor, Trainer and Job Controller. She was responsible for monitoring and controlling all phases of maintenance, and maintaining current status on all real time Navigational Aide Systems, Base Weather Equipment, Communications Facilities and all Base Computer Systems.

Rene’ enjoyed the Air Force and wanted to offer the experience to others. She attended Recruiting School in October 1992 and was assigned as a Non prior Service Recruiter in Monroeville, Pa. For the next nine years Rene would assume several key leadership positions within the 311th Recruiting Squadron. During her tenure she held posts as an Officer Training School (OTS) Recruiter, Health Professions Recruiter, Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) Liason NCO and, MEPS Liason Supervisor. In September 2001 her final tour of duty saw her become the Officer Accessions Flight Supervisor. She was responsible for supervising 14 medical recruiters, in their day-to-day operations, marketing and sales, and strategic planning. Also, helping secure an annual goal of 105 healthcare professionals and officer candidates for enlistment.

Rene retired after 20 years of service to pursue her entrepreneurial goals her passion teaching. As a teacher and technical trainer Rene was able to have the best of both worlds. COMPUTERTOTS/COMPUTER EXPLORERS gave her that opportunity. The goal of the COMPUTERTOTS program was for young children to explore technology through hands-on  discovery and reinforce beginning academic skills. The COMPUTER EXPLORERS program offer educational technology solutions including an Integrated Technology Resource Program, Staff Training for Technology Integration, and an After-School Programs. The overall goal of these programs is to help students learn and apply technology by using the computer as a productivity tool.

Rene’s company delivered computer-learning classes in early childhood and school age settings in the city of Pittsburgh and throughout South Western Pennsylvania, since 1996. She provided technology and computer enrichment classes to well over 2000 preschool-and school-age children. Collaborating with local and national organizations, COMPUTER EXPLORERS partnered with organizations such as Carnegie Mellon’s National Robotics Consortium, Tendercare Learning Centers, Westmoreland Community Collage Childcare Programs, and Seaton Hill College Child Development Centers, The Pittsburgh Public School District, Wilkinsburg School District, and the Penn Hills School District. Providing outstanding technology education and service to them, and most importantly their students.

Rene was proud of her accomplishments however, there was nothing that could compare to her love for her family. She enjoyed being a wife and a mother. She was so very proud of her children and knew that she was a very blessed woman.

On July 28, 2016, Rene departed this life for life eternal. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband whom she loved and adored, Geoff C. Taylor; son, Kyle Maxwell; daughter, Courtney Michelle; her loving mother, Earlene “Toy” Smith; step-father, Hubert Smith; and a host of relatives and friends.

She will be sadly missed.