Debra Maria Thomson

 Debra Maria Johnson Thomson went to Heaven on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. Debra was born July 18, 1962 at the tiny naval hospital in Oak Harbor, Washington, to Sylvan and Josephine (Baratta) Johnson. Along with her twin brother, David, she joined brothers Keith Johnson, and Billy and Leslie South.

She was raised in Oak Harbor, and graduated from Oak Harbor High School’s class of 1980. Debra attended beauty college, married Tobin Thomson, and eventually went back to college and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree so she could work as a counselor. When she went to visit her family in Philadelphia, she stayed to help her aging mother, aunt, and uncle, because that’s the kind of heart she had. She formed many friendships in Philadelphia, and treasured each of them. She worked there as a drug and alcohol counselor until the cancer became too great a burden. Her family was working on getting her back to Oak Harbor, but she grew too ill too quickly and passed away before that could happen.

Debra was preceded in death by her step-brother Joe Kalous, her parents Sylvan and Josephine Johnson, and her brother Leslie South. She is survived by her brothers Keith (Susan) Johnson, David Johnson, and Billy (Barbara) South, as well as her step-mother Nancy Johnson, step-sister Jennifer (Bryon) Bos, and step-brothers Steve (Lorna) Hambergh and Scott Hambergh. She is also survived by her nephews, Kirk Johnson and Hunter Bos, nieces Jette Sprague, Toni Richie, and Brandy South, as well as several grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Her dog, King, remains in Philadelphia with one brother, and her cat, Ghetty, has made herself at home in Oak Harbor, Washington. Debbie would be laughing right now if she could see how quickly one tiny little cat became the boss of an unfamiliar household.

There was a special light about Debbie, and she brought it into every life she encountered. Her bright smile, warm laughter, and cheerful voice will be remembered by her family every single day. 

Though she struggled with cancer, Debbie had strong faith and peace with any outcome. She was a bright light that showed everyone Christ within her. We know God has given her a beautiful crown for her faithfulness.

Rest well, sweet little sister. We find comfort in knowing we’ll see you again someday.

Debra's church in Philadelphia is organizing a service to be held at a later date. A private service will be held in Oak Harbor, also to be held at a later date.