Debra Ann Weed-Johnson

Debra Ann Weed-Johnson, 70, of Avondale Estates died August 8th in Atlanta. Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Herman Johnnson, and son, Patrick Cameron Johnson. Born in Miami, FL Debbie graduated from Florida State University with degrees in music and special education, and later earned a Master's Degree in special education at Georgia State University.

Debbie met her future husband when both were living in the Bordeaux Apartment Complex on Buford Highway, when he threw what would have been an incomplete pass, and she intercepted. Game on. At the time, she was a cabaret singer in Robert Ray's band, and performing in musical theater with Onstage Atlanta. She also sang in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus under director Robert Shaw.

Professionally, Debbie combined her love of music and helping special needs children by becoming the first music therapist in the Clayton County Public School system, where she nurtured and taught children for 36 years. From teaching, she transitioned into working for the state of Georgia in learning resources, until her retirement in June 2022.

A true Florida girl, Debbie loved being at the beach with family and friends. She also volunteered with the children's choir at Decatur First Baptist Church. After moving to Avondale Estates in 1990, Debbie and Herman became active at the Avondale Community Club and the Avondale Estates Swim and Tennis Club. Debbie was a founding member of a fun-loving group of vocalists who billed themselves as The Sisters, and often performed at neighborhood functions. Debbie and Herman enjoyed a wide circle of close friends in Avondale Estates, and her sweet saprano was always in demand whenever friends could persuade her to perform.

She was pre-deceased by parents, Crawford and Jean Weed, and son, Andrew Crawford "Ford" Johnson. Also survived by sister, Mary Jean Anderson and husband, Jerry; nephew, Rick Anderson and wife, Kim Anderson and children, Elli and Ryan; niece, Jennifer Rizzuto and husband, Tom; mother-in-law, Wyolene Whitfield,; sisters-in-law, Belinda and Glenda Whitfield; brother-in-law, Dennis Whitfield and wife, Debbie; and sister-in-law, Debbie Moore and Greg Moore.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 11:00 am in the chapel of A. S. Turner and Sons, Decatur, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society https://givenow.lls.org/give/342076/?ds_rl=1278572&ds_rl=1278572&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu6bUx-zL-QIVgMLCBB2mWAM_EAAYASAAEgLQj_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#!/donation/checkout