Debbie Johnson Paxson, age 69, of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025 at her home on Lake Norman. Debbie was born on November 8, 1955 to the late Carroll A. and Shirley Frashier Barnette.
Debbie was born and raised in Ripley, WV and moved to Sherrills Ford in 2015. She was a compassionate nurse for 32 years before retiring in 2023. Debbie loved relaxing at her home on the lake and enjoyed her many trips to Myrtle Beach with family and friends over the years. She attended Fairfield Methodist Church. She also volunteered for FeedNC.
In addition to her father and mother, Debbie was preceded in death by her first husband Larry Johnson, sister Deedee Miller, sisters-in-law Frankie Shamblin and Marble Smith.
Debbie is survived by and was a devoted wife to her husband, Terry Paxson, and a proud mother of her sons Jason Johnson (Tara) of Leon, WV and Justin Johnson of Ripley, WV. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Hannah Casto (Austin), Kaitlyn Johnson, Emma Johnson, Dylan Rooper, Taylor Johnson, Tinsley Johnson and Torryn Johnson in addition to great grandchildren Crew and Navy Casto.
Debbie is also survived by her brothers Butch Barnette (Debbie) and Mitch Barnette (Jessie), sisters-in-law Betty Ray, June Albright, Sue Smith, Patty Taylor, Cheryl Engebretson and brother-in-law James Johnson along with many nephews, nieces, cousins and her dog, Q-tip.
Debbie loved her lifelong friends in West Virginia and made many trips back to maintain those friendships and family ties. Her move to North Carolina later in life allowed her to meet Terry and make many new friendships that meant so much to her.
At Debbie’s request there will be no service. A private, family gathering celebrating her life will be held later.
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