Deborah Ann "Debbie" Johnson

Deborah Ann “Debbie” Johnson passed away peacefully at her home in Hollywood, Maryland on April 5, 2025. She was the loving wife of Donnie Johnson and devoted mother and mother in law of Chastity Johnson, Jeremy Johnson, Kyle Johnson (Sarah), D.J. Johnson (Cierra), and Tyler Johnson (Hannah). She is survived by her grandchildren, the joys of her life, Bailey Johnson (Kara), Josh Johnson, Nick Johnson, Emma Johnson, Hayleigh Johnson, Nathan Johnson, and Delainey Johnson. She is also survived by her older brother, Jimmy Higgs and her younger sister Sandra Higgs. Debbie shared special relationships with her in-laws Randy and Connie Johnson and Jimmy and Lois Owens. She also had a special bond with her cousin, Janice “Thelma” Haggerty. She was a special friend to Debbie Settle, whom she considered to be part of her family. Debbie was aunt, great aunt, cousin, and godmother to many and brought love to everyone in her family. Debbie was born on July 3, 1955 in Leonardtown, Maryland to James Aloysius Higgs, Sr. and Frances Audrey Graves Higgs. She was preceded in death by both of her loving parents whom she held so dear to her heart. She attended St. John’s School in Hollywood and later graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1973. Debbie married her husband of almost 52 years, Donnie Johnson, on July 7, 1973 at St. John’s Church in Hollywood. They built a life together with their five children on Locust Green Farm where she instilled in them the values of hard work, perseverance, and most importantly, kindness. Debbie took pride in being a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County and was grateful and happy to be able to spend her last days in a place that she loved so much. Debbie loved children. While her grandchildren, of course, were at the top of her list, she touched the lives of so many throughout the years. She began her career serving as a teacher’s aide at Green Holly School. She then opened her own home daycare and provided love, fun, and learning to so many babies, toddlers, and elementary school students. She then worked at Prep and Play Daycare Center in Hollywood where she became known as “Ms. Debbie”. She held special memories of her time there and made lifelong friendships with her co-workers whom she loved so much. She was so proud of the achievements of her own children and grandchildren and loved to boast about their accomplishments whether it be in academics, athletics, character, or other areas. Debbie loved her family more than anything. Their happiness was the most important thing to her and her family always came first. She enjoyed sharing holidays with them, especially Christmas and Halloween. It was not uncommon to see piles and piles of presents for her grandchildren seeping out beyond the Christmas tree. Her love of giving was instilled in her by her mother Audrey. Debbie loved to be outside and she especially loved being on the water, either crabbing or fishing. She inherited this love for the water from her father Allie. She loved watching and attending sporting events, especially those of her children and grandchildren and she loved cheering for the Baltimore Orioles and the Duke Blue Devils. Debbie enjoyed playing basketball when she was younger and she enjoyed playing softball in the county for many years. Debbie opened her home to so many friends of her children over the years and created bonds with their parents that she cherished greatly. Her friendly and warm smile always brought people together and her sense of humor was still in full effect, even during her last days. She loved to talk and had an infectious laugh that would fill a room. She leaves behind a legacy of selflessness and kindness and was a true example of unconditional love. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with prayers received at 7:00 PM by Deacon Joe Vavrus in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral home, Leonardtown, MD. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Church at 10:00 AM with Father Keith Woods as the celebrant. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, Maryland. Serving as pallbearers will be Kyle Johnson, D.J. Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Bailey Johnson, Josh Johnson, and Nick Johnson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mother Catherine Academy, where her grandchildren attend, attended, or will attend school. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.