Tributes

It is with deep sorrow that the Johnson family announces the death of their beloved mother, Mrs. Deborah Fairrington Johnson, 72, affectionately known as "Debbie." Mrs. Johnson entered into rest on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Born in Laurinburg, NC, March 2nd, 1952. Debbie was the daughter of the late Mary Lucille Fairrington. Moving to Hartsville at young age she quickly made it her home and many lifelong friends. She attended school at Hartsville High and participated in the marching band where she played the clarinet. She loved to tell stories about the many trips the band had taken to march in parades and competitions. During her time in school, she found that she wanted to be a teacher and upon graduation she directed her study at Winthrop and then Francis Marion to become an educator. This turned out to be a lifelong passion of investing in students because she truly wanted others to be their best. Debbie was herself a lifelong learner, obtaining master’s degrees and then becoming the high school media specialist. Debbie not only loved teaching, but animals of every shape and kind. This love of animals came from an early age when she dreamed of having a horse of her own. She met her husband Mike in Hartsville and after they married, she moved to Chesterfield County to their farm, where this dream of having animals spawned a lifetime of memories for the entire family. A devoted wife, loving, and supporting Mother, doting Grandmother, Debbie lead a life of humble gratitude and a work ethic that was centered around personal relationships. For this the family is grateful to have been part of a life well lived. Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her beloved Husband, Mike Johnson. She had one daughter Lori Rivers (Shon) of Hartsville, and one son Michael G Johnson (Brandi) of Hartsville. Two granddaughters Ava Rivers and Savannah Johnson. The Directors of Brown-Pennington- Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. A funeral service to honor her life will be held at 2 o'clock on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Cedar Creek Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jeff Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made in her honor to Cedar Creek Baptist Church,1635 Cedar Creek Road, Hartsville, SC 29550.

Tributes

Mrs. Deborah Fairrington Johnson

March 2, 1952 - December 3, 2024