Obituary of Deborah Johnson

Deborah Buck Johnson, (Debbie), 68 years old of Ridgeland, MS was called home to be with the Lord on June 12, 2018 surrounded by her family. A private family graveside service will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, MS

Debbie was born October 15, 1949 to the late Dr. William H. Buck and Bobbye Jean Ferguson.

Debbie graduated from Provine High School in 1967, attended Mississippi College, Mississippi State College for Women, and received a BS in Education from Mississippi State University.  Also, at Mississippi State University she earned a Masters in Special Education and further obtained an Education Specialist Degree in Special Education. 

Debbie taught in the Jackson Public Schools, Grade 1 from 1971-1972 and then taught Special Education in the Jackson Public Schools from 1973-1984.  She taught Special Education in the Madison County School System from 1998-2016.  She retired from teaching at Ann Smith Elementary School in Ridgeland, MS in 2016.  Debbie received many awards and recognition for her accomplishments.

Debbie also Opened, Owned & Operated the Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) on Ridgewood Road in Jackson, MS from 1984-1998.  At DAC, “Miss Debbie” cared for infants, taught pre-kindergarten, provided after school care and private tutoring.  To her great delight, joy and pleasure, her nieces and nephews were among her many students.  She was dedicated to and loved each of her students. 

Debbie is preceded in passing by her husband of 45 years Robert L. Johnson., her father, Dr. William H. Buck, grandparents, Ed & Willie J Morris., Robert & Ruby Ferguson., and William G. & Ruby Buck., and one brother, Gregory Edward Buck.

Debbie is survived by her mother, Mrs. Bobbye Ferguson Buck of Ridgeland, MS, sister Rebecca Buck Arnold (Bobby) of Miramar Beach, FL., three brothers., Dr. William H. Buck Jr. (Ginger) of Brandon, MS., Robert F. Buck (Barbara) of Hernando Beach, FL., James R. Buck of Brandon, and sister-in-law Cindy H. Buck of Brandon, MS.

Debbie is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: The children of Robert Buck - David Buck (Shay), Cheryl Griggs, Robby Buck, and Beatrice Buck; the children of Gregory Edward Buck - Edward Buck, Jr., Matthew Buck (Lacey); and the children of Jim Buck - Ashley Buck, Marcie Buck Patton (Taylor), Will Buck (Mary Claire), and Andrew Buck (Jess); and the children of Vickie Gates (Bill), her husband’s sister - Jennifer Boone (Walter), Stuart Gates, and Zack Gates, and numerous great nieces and nephews. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice Ministries, Inc., 450 Town Center Blvd., Ridgeland, MS 39147.