Deborah (Philpot) Lanette Johnson
Deborah Lanette Philpot Johnson, age 53, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2009, in her home, in Strafford, Mo., after a long battle with lung disease. Debbie was born January 12, 1956, in Mena, Ark., to James Odell Philpot and Wanda Jeanne Borin Philpot. She grew up in Mena and graduated from Mena High School where she was active in piano and cheerleading. She became a Christian at an early age and was of the Baptist faith. On March 27, 1982, in Owensville, Ind., Debbie married the love of her life, Robert Michael Johnson, who survives her. He has been her devoted caregiver throughout her illness. Also, surving her are her sons, Michael Paul Johnson of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Mark Odell Johnson and wife, Courtney Rene of Oklahoma City. Debbie’s greatest joy in life was her family and she never missed their sports activties. During her illness, Debbie never lost her upbeat attitude, bubbling personality and love for her dogs, rescued from shelters. Debbie is also suvived by her mother, Wanda Borin Lyda of Newaygo, Mich.; her brothers, Keith Philpot of Mena, Ark., and Kevin Mos and wife, Michelle of Tampa, Fla.; and nephews, Lake Philpot and Riley Philpot of Mena, Ark. Arrangements and cremation are being handled by Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Mo. A memorial service in Debbie’s honor will be held at 1 p.m. on October 24, 2009, in the funeral home.