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Deborah Gail
Johnston
Jan 9, 1962 — Oct 13, 2026
Friday
Harpeth Hills Memory Garden, Funeral Home, & Cremation Center
4:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Saturday
Harpeth Hills Memory Garden, Funeral Home, & Cremation Center
11:30 am - 1:30 pm (Central time)
Saturday
Harpeth Hills Memory Garden, Funeral Home, & Cremation Center
1:30 - 2:30 pm (Central time)
Saturday
Harpeth Hills Memory Garden, Funeral Home, & Cremation Center
2:30 - 3:00 pm (Central time)
Deborah Johnston will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest joy in life was spending time with those she loved.
For 25 years, Deborah worked in the cafeteria at Gower Elementary School, where her love for children made her work especially meaningful. Outside of work, she enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She loved watching hummingbirds from the porch alongside her beloved husband, going to Talladega, camping, playing bingo, and spending time with her best friend, Connie. Some of her favorite days were spent visiting Goodwill and searching for treasures at yard sales with her children.
Above all, Deborah was a proud and devoted grandmother, affectionately known as "Nanny" to her grandchildren. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines at a softball or baseball game or watching a cheerleading performance, she treasured every opportunity to support them. Her family was her pride and joy, and the memories they created together will forever hold a special place in their hearts.
Deborah is survived by her loving daughters, Rebecca Pendleton (Robert), Kayla Pendleton, and Stephanie Pendleton (Christopher Sutton); her stepson, Taz Johnston (Ivie); and her cherished grandchildren, Daphne Lee, Devin Lee, April Monk, Cameron Sutton, Jalen Dansby, William P. Johnston V, Waylon Johnston, and Freya Johnston. She is also survived by her siblings, Jeff Derosset (Melody), Donna Young (Eddie), and Glenda Pewitt (Don), along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Johnston III; her parents, Roscoe Lain and Edie Frances Lain; and her grandparents, affectionately known as "Ma and Pa."
Deborah's life was filled with simple joys, treasured memories, and a love for her family that knew no bounds. Though she will be deeply missed, her family will forever find pieces of her in the little things: a hummingbird visiting the porch, a ballgame on a sunny afternoon, or a treasured find at a yard sale. These moments will serve as gentle reminders that while she may no longer be here, the love of Deborah will always remain.
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