Debra Pauline Johnson

Debra Pauline Johnson (“Debbie”) died January 20, 2025, a few weeks after her 53rd wedding anniversary and her 73rd birthday. She is preceded in death by her parents, Patricia (Kinney) Johnson and Donald Johnson.

Born in Minnesota, Debbie grew up in Medford Oregon and, after marriage, lived in Pennsylvania, Florida and Oregon before settling in Davis California. Debbie was a graduate of UC Davis and McGeorge School of Law, earning her degrees (mostly) in the evenings while raising a young family.

Debbie always put her family first, a value that she carried into her work. She had a successful career as a family law attorney in California, working in private practice as a certified family law specialist before her appointment as family law counsel to the California State Assembly Committee on Judiciary. Following a relocation to Oregon, she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), fiercely advocating for children experiencing neglect and abuse. She remained a champion for CASA throughout the remainder of her life, improving the lives of dozens of children.

Debbie’s family and friends will miss her tremendously. She traveled the world, residing as an adult in Pennsylvania, Florida, California, Oregon, Melbourne Australia, Iowa, and Rhode Island. Her intellect and diverse interests were demonstrated by a range of successful endeavors including designing and supervising the construction of a home on her beloved Oregon coast. Her family, however, most cherished and will miss her unwavering belief in them and her support, love, generosity and humor. Debbie had an infectious laugh, unfailing optimism, and joy in even darkest times. In her later years, her grandchildren were her greatest joy.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Chris, of Wakefield Rhode Island, daughter Kristin (Sean Krueger) of Wakefield Rhode Island, and son Matthew (Michele Rossolo Johnson) of Portland Oregon, grandchildren Garrett, Nina, June, and her brother David (Sharon) of Walker Lake Nevada.

Debbie’s family will hold private services to honor her memory. Donations in her memory and to honor her life can be made to The National Court Appointed Special Advocates Guardians ad Litem for Children Association (CASA GAL).