Debra Yvette Johnson

Debra Yvette Johnson, 64 years old, of Knoxville Tennessee departed this life peacefully on July 18, 2023 with her three daughters(the three musketeers) by her side in Houston, Texas. Debra was the only daughter out of five children of the late Franklin Ledean and the late Jacquelyn Johnson. Debra spent a majority of her youth surrounded by her brothers and loved ones. She excelled academically and used her intellect to maneuver through the intricacies of life. As a teenager, Debra moved to New York City and that’s where the real fun began. She enjoyed school and tutored students in math and other subjects. As a teenager, Debra moved to New York City and that’s where the real fun began. She enjoyed school and tutored students in math and other subjects. Debra loved extracurricular activities and excelled in many ways. Debra always had an affinity for helping the underdogs or people who were labeled by society. She enjoyed seeing people turn their lives around and dedicated herself to the tasks wholeheartedly. Debra gave birth to a son in 1973 named Gregory Johnson. He was raised in the church and learned at an early age that Jesus Christ is Lord. He continues today in the quest for a deeper understanding and relationship with God. Debra was raised in New York by her mother, the late Jacquelyn Anita Session and the late Jacob Session. She flourished in the environment and learned many practical life skills. Debra credited Jacob as the one who taught her financial responsibility in addition to love and consistency. Debra credited her mother with teaching her about loving God consistently in and out of season. Debra attended Key to Heaven Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York under the tutelage of the late Reverend James W. Mclary. She began to grow in the knowledge of God and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She allowed the love of God to lead her in all areas of her life. Often she gave money and food to those less fortunate. In the early day’s Debra met the love of her life Josh Harris Jr. They were married in 1975 and of that union were born four children( Chinetha, Josh, Natasha and Lamika) They demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication, honesty, and straightforwardness which was passed on to all of the children. Debra had a career spanning more than 25 years with the United States Postal Service. She became interested in that career path because of her grandmother, the late Martha Della McBath. Debra used her negotiation skills and business sense to overturn many of her coworker's cases as a shop steward. As a postal employee, Debra took her job very seriously. Her postal friends mentioned that she was a hard worker, and an honest and no nonsense employee. One of her favorite sayings was “Right don’t ever wrong anybody”. Debra won many awards and accolades during her service with the United States Postal Service. She served diligently and was awarded top honors for her hard work in the Post Office during the Desert Storm Era. Debra’s favorite pastimes were working in her garden and studying the word of God. She enjoyed prizes and recognition from her neighborhood HomeOwners Association. Debra’s love of the word of God was so strong that she started a group chat with her family and friends. In this group chat scripture was sent out via text. These messages were “in tune” for many of the recipients; the messages often spoke specifically to current life events and were a blessing to all. Debra will be remembered as a caregiver to many and her presence and genuine love will be missed by many for years to come. Debra was preceded in death by the late Franklin Ledean Johnson, Sr., the late Dr, Franklin Ledean Johnson Jr., the late Bart McBath, the late Jake Session, the late Josh Harris III, the late Martha McBath, the late Jacquelyn Anita Session,the late LePerry Carlton Cleveland- Fore, and the late Anthony Session.Debra is survived by her son Gregory Session (Lynette) of Brooklyn, NY, three daughters Chinetha Gray (Dave) of Charlotte, NC, Natasha Robinson (David) of Kissimmee, FL, Lamika Harris of Houston, TX. Siblings Anthony Johnson (Paulette) of Orlando, FL, Jeffrey Johnson (Patricia) of Far Rockaway, NY, David Johnson (Nancy), of Queens, NY. Carol Love, Atlanta, GA, Linda Session of Charlotte, NC, Jackie Session, Rochester, NY and Debbie Session, Rochester, NY. One brother in law, Joseph Harris, sisters in law, Pertina Johnson, Freeport, NY, Donna Harris and Shirley McClean, North Augusta, SC, Elizabeth Walton,Springfield, Illinois, Darlene Singleton, Mount Hope, NY.Debra is further survived by, Josh Harris Jr., grandchildren, Jayla Harris, Jacob Harris, Joshua Deleon, Sundai Harris, Tatiana Harris, Kwamel Harris, Davaunn Gray, Devynn Gray, Tasjia Fore, Joshayah Harris, Shawmeek Harris, Tamia Jackson, Kourtney Robinson, Desrae Gray, Kyle Robinson, Chyna Gray, Dominique Gray and Trinity Robinson, as well as numerous great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.Debra’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for her and her family. A celebration of the life and blessings of Debra will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at New Beginnings Church Community Life Center 5232 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105 led by Reverend Nathaniel Braswell. Visitation will begin at 11am. Don’t Cry for Me Don’t cry for me because I’ve made my peace with this life. No longer will I suffer pain; there is no more heartache and strife. Don’t cry for me because I’m finally with the King. I’m listening to the Heavenly chorus once again I can hear my mama sing. Don’t cry for me because I’ve been welcomed to my home in the sky. I’m safe in my Father’s care. I now reside with the Most High. Don’t cry for me because I’ve left the cares of this world behind. The good news is as I transitioned. King Jesus was on my mind. Don’t cry for me because I’m safe in His arms. I’m peacefully resting and this world can’t do me no harm. Don’t cry for me because we will meet again some day. Instead look in the sky and smile, we’ve all got to go this way one day! Chinetha Gray

Debra Yvette Johnson

February 2, 1959 - July 18, 2023