Debbie Johnson, nee Thomas, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away suddenly on May 7, 2025, at the age of 78.
Born in Appomattox in 1947, Debbie lived a life defined by kindness, faith, and devotion to the Lord and those she loved. She was married to her best friend and soulmate, Richard Johnson, for 53 wonderful years. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and faith - a legacy that lives on in their children, Thomas Johnson and Elizabeth Corder, and their four grandchildren, Caleb, Joshua, Dylan, and Micah.

Debbie was also a devoted mother to her late daughter, Jennifer Johnson, whose memory she carried in her heart every day. Her love for Jennifer remained a constant presence in her life, and now we take comfort in the thought of their reunion.

"Tante" Debbie held a special place in her heart for her family in Germany. She cherished her niece Jacqueline and her family - Christof, Jonna, and Solene - as well as her nephew Kai and his family - Martina and Mats. Debbie loved traveling to visit them and exploring new places together. She was always thrilled when they visited, often preparing thoughtful gifts and treats they couldn't find in Germany. These moments brought her immense joy and created treasured memories.

She had a close relationship with her beloved sisters, Kay and Pat, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and unconditional love.

She also had a very special caretaker, Bibi Canter, who helped her tremendously over the last few years.

A dedicated former educator in Hanover County Public Schools, Debbie touched countless lives through her years of teaching. Her former students remember her not only for her knowledge but for her compassion, patience, and the way she believed in each of them. She had a gift for making people feel seen and valued.

Debbie was known for her creativity, especially in the garden and kitchen. She loved baking - particularly with her granddaughter Dylan - and delighted in sharing homemade treats with family and friends. She had a deep love for watching sports, especially tennis, and was a proud supporter of her alma mater, the JMU Dukes. In her high school days, she was affectionately nicknamed "Captain Kangaroo" as the captain of her basketball team - a nod to her leadership and infectious spirit.

She deeply valued time spent with her family and appreciated life's simple pleasures: a good meal, a glass of sweet wine, flowers blooming in Spring, watching birds from her kitchen window, and quiet moments with the people she cherished. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her love for Jesus was evident in the way she lived - with grace, generosity, and unwavering hope.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Richard; her children, Thomas (Lauren) and Elizabeth (Justin); her grandchildren, who affectionately called her "Memaw", Caleb, Joshua, Dylan, and Micah; and her sisters, Kay Bondurant and Pat Torrence (Dennis). She is preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Harvey Thomas, and her daughter, Jennifer.

Her family will forever be grateful for the love, strength, and joy she brought into their lives. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 12th from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home - Atlee Chapel, 9271 Shady Grove Rd. Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 15th at 12:30 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home - Atlee Chapel with graveside to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Signal Hill Memorial Park, 12360 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23069. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Debbie's mission group Irvington Baptist Church IBITS, PO Box 417, Irvington, VA 22480.