Racheal Elizabeth Makla

The creative and artistic force known as Rachel “Ray-Ray” Elizabeth Makla left this world for another on a beautiful Florida afternoon, August 1st, 2017, just as the rain stopped and sun came out to shine. Rachel was born in historic Charleston, South Carolina, on September 15th, 1977. The same year Elvis died and “Punk Rock” music was born - how apropos! Rachel came into this world like a bat out of hell requiring less than 2 hours of childbirth. From a very young age, Rachel was a highly intelligent and creative child who excelled in music and performing arts. She was selected to the lead spot in the Bell Choir at church, maintained 1st chair in violin throughout Jr. High, and was accepted at the exclusive performing arts high school program at Pebblebrook in Atlanta, GA. Rachel possessed many talents including photography, music, acting, and mixed media art. Rachel received her BS in Psychology from the University of West Florida but found her true calling as a jeweler and creative director with the family business. As a partner in the Makla Group, Rachel’s mission was to bring original artistic products to the public that could be treasured for a lifetime. The work Rachel created will live in perpetuity. Ray-Ray lived her truth from the moment she could talk and always encouraged others around her to do the same. She loved unique and interesting people and was constantly seeking out the rebel hearts and those full of wanderlust. She surrounded herself with non-conformist and freethinking individuals. Rachel loved being creative and was driven by her high intellect. A complete perfectionist, and in those rare moments when something was perfect she would revel in it - especially the perfect horror movie. Ray-Ray was always quick with the inappropriate joke delivered in perfect timing. She loved to laugh, make others laugh and found the humor in every situation. Rachel had a passion for vintage clothing, philosophy, poetry, and watching live music. Rachel was fearless - yet fragile. Adventurous and curious, smart, funny, picky, extremely loyal, and believed in living in the moment. She is greatly loved and will be missed by all her family and friends. She truly left an impact on the Pensacola community through her artistic vision. Rachel Makla is survived by her parents John and Becky Makla, her oldest sister Candace Makla, “brother” Jason Wallace, younger sister Laura Makla-Berezowski, brother in law Rob Berezowski, niece Pearl Violet Wallace, Grandparents Harold and Ruby Speer, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. All whom she loved deeply. Please join us in celebrating Rachel’s life on Saturday, September 16th at 1pm at her parents’ home at 4691 Scenic Ct, Pensacola, FL 32504. Rachel’s ashes will be sprinkled in the Gulf of Mexico during a private family ceremony. In Lieu of flowers, contributions to the following would be appreciated: Pulmonary Hypertension Association - https://phassociation.org/donate/

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Racheal Elizabeth Makla

September 15, 1977 - August 1, 2017