Debula Zoe "Debbie" Johnson

Debbie was born September 16, 1949 in Somerset, KY to Edwin P. and Wilma Dean (Walker) Merritt who have preceded her in death. She was reared in Prentice, IL and graduated from Ashland High School.

While an honor student at Ashland, she won dozens of state vocal competitions. In 1966, as a junior, she won the national essay contest, which afforded her an audience with President Johnson. She continued her education at Lincoln Christian College majoring in music and Russian studies.

Debbie married Willie, the love of her life, on August 30, 1973. She was a realtor/broker in the Springfield area for 15 years working with Julie Davis and John B. Clark. She later worked for the Environmental Protection Agency until her retirement from the State of Illinois in 2009.

She is survived by Willie C. Johnson, loving husband of 37 years, 3 sisters and a brother, Pamela (Dominic) Mallamo of Augusta, MI; Lila Simpson, of Ballwin, MO; Deanna (Brad) Pierson, of Champaign, IL; Sam (Valerie) Merritt of Campbellsville, KY, Brothers in law, Lee Henry (Mary) Johnson, Danny (Doristine) Johnson, of Lexington, MS; Kenneth (Letha) Johnson of California; Sister in law, Annie Lois Johnson of Chicago, Elflora Brown of Lexington, MS; Minnie Mae (Keplan) Hinton, of Chattanooga, TN, Christine (James) Gaston, Barbara (Jeremiah Pittsford) Johnson, of Chicago, Shirley Johnson-Crook of Gatlin, TN, God-daughter, Jessica Nimmians, of Springfield, IL, 5 aunts, 2 uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Thursday, March 17, 2011 at West Side Christian Church 2850 Cider Mill Lane, Springfield, IL with Rev. Gary Winkleman officiating. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Debbie wishes for donations to be made to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN, or Soles 4 Souls through West Side Christian Church.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.