Photo courtesy of Hillcrest Funeral Home Burial Park & Cremations - San Antonio
Jan 22, 1960 - Jan 12, 2026
I am so sorry to hear about this. Deana was my very first oboe teacher when I began playing all those many years ago. She created the foundation for me that led to many years of joy. I remember her patience, optimism, and humor. My sincerest condolences to her friends and family.
Cecilia Barry Ziegler
February 11, 2026 | Greer, SC
Truly one of the most wonderful people. Deana will be sorely missed. Brava on a great life Deana!!
Marc and Monica Lumley
January 26, 2026 | Trade, TN | Friend
...In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also... (John 14:2-3, KJV)
Brad and Pat Lee
January 24, 2026 | Kerrville, TX | Friend
Though not so visible as the strings out front, Deana and her oboe were just as essential to the sound of the Symphony of the Hills as any other instrument. In elementary school I learned that two oboes could be heard above an orchestra. Well, you didn’t hear Deana, she blended so well, unless she was performing one of her smooth, sure solos. We will miss her talents, her good nature, and her many other gifts.
Tim Summerlin
January 24, 2026 | Kerrville, TX | Friend
Deana, you were such a talented musician, but you were also an incredible music educator and champion of music education. Your contributions to music and education are innumerable, and your absence gaping. I’m praying for you and your family, sending you all light and love. You are sorely missed.
Molly Turner
January 23, 2026 | San Antonio, TX | Coworker
Deana was the finest person and musician I ever had the pleasure to call my friend!!
George Eychner
January 21, 2026 | Kerrville, TX | Friend
Deana was a kind and considerate educator who brought joy to so many through her teaching and performing. We will always treasure those times when she performed with us at St. Matthew’s UMC. She will be greatly missed. Deana was a blessing to us.
Kathy and David Cain
January 21, 2026 | San Antonio, TX | Friend
Mrs. Johnson radically changed my life with her sincere kindness and love for music. I can't imagine making it through middle school without the bright light that she was. She poured love into ALL of her students and in doing so she really shaped and strengthened my self-concept and confidence. I saw her lift up so many others too! The world is a gentler and more melodious place because of her. I can't overstate the impact she had on me -- how she helped me find direction and connected me to...
Caleb Reyes
January 21, 2026 | Chicago, IL | Student
You gave me my first love
You gave me my life
My future which I guess, considering, is now my past.
I heard your voice when I played those moments, you know the ones.
You grew from beginner teacher to mentor to future professional over years of respect as well as a healthy “no! I don’t want to play it again!” once in a while.
You taught me all I needed to know and succeed as an oboist but mostly as a musician.
But mostly you were a friend a friend I will miss...
Margaret McCoy
January 21, 2026 | Coupeville, WA | Student
Deana M. Johnson, born January 22, 1960, in Gainesville, Georgia went to be with the Lord on January 12, 2026, at the age of 65, after a long battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her father, Jerry Moore.
After earning Bachelors degrees in music performance and education, and a Masters degree in oboe performance, Deana began her music career. As an oboist, she was a frequent performer with all the hired orchestras in South Texas, and in the San Antonio Symphony for two years. She was a much loved teacher and mentor at the middle school, high school, and college levels, inspiring her students to ever higher levels of excellence, love of music, and confident pursuit of their passions. Many of her oboe students have gone on to playing and teaching careers. She was known for her positive attitude, strength, creativity, kindness, and sincere concern for others. Her biggest non-musical interest was her love of animals, including her two dogs, a cat, horse, donkey, chickens, bees, and the butterflies she hatched.
She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years of marriage, Philip Johnson; mother, Shirley Moore; daughters, Lauren Johnson Blanco and husband Guillermo Blanco, Angela Gayle Johnson and husband Alexander Fotopoulos; son, Mark Isaac Johnson; brother, Michael Moore; sister, Terry Moore Kjellberg; grandchildren, Vincent M. Blanco, Sebastian J. Blanco, and Anna C. Fotopoulos; extended family and friends. Her presence in our lives will be dearly missed.
Per Deana’s wishes family is requesting to please dress in colorful clothing.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Hillcrest Funeral Home. You may join us for the livestreaming of the prayer service at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaVJ-_OOv6eXfc4Wh5SQ-NQ
Procession will depart Hillcrest on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 8:15 AM for a 9:00 AM graveside service (family members only) at Sunset Memorial Park.
There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of San Antonio, followed by a reception. You may join us for the livestreaming of the celebration of life at the following link: HTTPS://www.fbcsa.org/specialevents
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