Deborah "Debbie" Johnston

1952 - 2022

Deborah Johnston

Deborah Sue Johnston, née White, was the first "Girl in the White house," at 3433 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington D.C. on September 22, 1952, born to Alva Thomas White Sr. (10/29/24 – 12/29/12) and Ella Sue, née McRae, (6/16/31 – 11/12/08) of Laurel, Miss. A Navy brat for life, "Debbie" had two siblings—A. Thomas Jr & Alexandra. She settled in Tulsa, OK in 1963, graduated Central High School 1970, University of Tulsa in History 1974, and was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. With spouse Jerry Johnston, she had two children, Susan Elise in 1983 and Stephen Thomas in 1984, and a seemingly endless loving family.

Debbie was always there, the person you wanted on your team, and the one you would go to when things were difficult. She had a quiet strength that shied from attention. She lived for her children and grandchildren, Liam Thomas and Autumn Marie. Loving, fun, and silly, she collected cute and beautiful things, loved bees, sent care packages, and reminded people to fill their lives with the things that brought them joy. She enjoyed walking through time, peeking into the past through her movies and books, and would always remind you to not doubt yourself, "Remember where you were." She was giving, except to herself, and continues to leave her gifts even after her passing on June 5th, 2022. She is loved. New memories will be missed.

Thank you to the family who graciously donated "Bob" the Kidney at a time when they lost their loved one in 1997. Your organ donation gave us 25 years! It gave us a mom, a mimi, and a beloved.

The family will celebrate the life of Debbie at a later date. Please contact the family for details.

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