Deborah Fanning

Deborah Fanning
Manchester - Deborah Lynn Fanning, 65, of Manchester, died Monday, May 20, 2024, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. She was born November 2, 1958, in Belvidere, the daughter of Gary Lynn and Bonnita Lawson Johnson. Deborah married Joseph Fanning on August 13, 1977, at Manchester Baptist Church, and he survives.
She is also survived by two children, Joseph Lynn Fanning of Manchester and Shawnna (Joe) Wilson of Lewistown, Ohio; three grandchildren, Annabelle Schlumbohm, Layton Schlumbohm, and Jaymie Wilson; bonus grandchildren, Kaycie Wilson and Carlie Wilson, her mother, Bonnita (deceased husband, Robert) Martin of Woodson, four brothers, Tim (Gemma) Johnson of Downers Grove, Kyle Johnson of Alabama, Darrell (Peggy) Johnson of Waverly, and Vance (Erin) Martin of Mahomet; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Gary Lynn Johnson.
Deborah worked as a teacher's aide in special education for the Winchester School District for over 30 years, retiring in December of 2023. She loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Manchester Baptist Church. Cattle shows and fairs were an important of Deborah and her family's life. She was actively involved in helping her children show cattle and was proud to see that continue to the next generation with her grandchildren. She loved spending time outdoors and working in her flower garden. Deborah most cherished being a wife, mother, and grandmother, and spending time with her many friends and loved ones, and four o'clcock coffee.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Manchester Baptist Church, with burial at Manchester Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Williamson Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Manchester Baptist Church to benefit Jordan and Kaitlin Cooper with their newly adopted daughter, or Manchester Cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.