Slain official’s passion celebrated
64-year-old was ‘first lady’ of the prison
NASHVILLE – Family, community members and law enforcement from as far as New York packed the sanctuary at The Temple Church in Nashville on Friday to remember the life of Debra Johnson.
The congregation stood and sang “Because He Lives,” which the minister referred to as “one of Debra’s favorites.”
The Rev. Ronald Morgan prayed, and the crowd stood and cheered as Deacon William Pugh sang “My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord.”
Johnson was only 64 when police say the corrections official was killed by an inmate. Now she is being remembered for her vibrant and compassionate life.
Various loved ones and co-workers spoke about Johnson’s life. Mourners were tearful but resounded with joy upon hearing the pastor assure them Johnson was in a better place.
Johnson spent the entirety of her 38year career at the Tennessee Department of Correction. She started as a correctional officer and worked her way up to a correctional administrator. Her son, Mychal Austin, said inmates lovingly referred to Johnson as the “first lady” of the prison.
“Her passion was to give people a second chance,” Austin said Friday.
Sister Rosa Drake read a letter of love from former and current offenders.
“Debra Johnson made a difference ... where many only saw prisoners, she saw potential. No words will ever do justice to the impact Debra Johnson has made on all of us. Her legacy ... is unmatched by any words that can be written. We will demonstrate this legacy in our actions, by serving our community,” Drake read.
Gov. Bill Lee spoke of the importance of faith in a situation like this.
“In a moment like this, in this setting I feel very incompetent. There are no words that I have that can comfort or bring peace or bring hope, but I can stand here with confidence because we do know who alone can ... and we know his name, and it’s Jesus,” he said.
Lee continued, “Debra served our state with dedication, and she earned the respect of fellow correction officials, co-workers and administrators. As we heard just a few minutes ago, she earned the respect of the incarcerated and the previously incarcerated.”
Johnson’s three children spoke of their mom’s legacy and how her work ethic shaped them as children.
“It is difficult to be a woman in a male-dominated field. And being an African American added just a little more stress. But every day for 38 years, she was up for the challenge,” Johnson’s daughter, Shernaye Johnson, said.
The Temple Church Pastor Darrell Drumwright said half of the crowd was composed of law enforcement agents.
“Seeing various badges from officers from all over the United States who have come to (be here), we are appreciative of your service,” Drumwright said.
The Rev. Kathy A. Leslie said she knows Johnson is in heaven.
“God has called her home to be with him. She has made her impact on the lives of many. She will be poorly missed and I love her. I know you’re in heaven doing what you love: shopping, drinking Coca-cola, eating chicken wings and spreading a lot of love and passion.”
Johnson’s life ended Aug. 7 after authorities say she was sexually assaulted and killed by prison escapee Curtis Ray Johnson.
After a five-day manhunt, Watson was captured about 10 miles from the prison in a soybean field, and authorities are considering seeking the death penalty.
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