With full hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Deborah Carol Bushman Johnson announces her passing on May 27, 2026. Deborah was born on May 10, 1956, in Provo, Utah, to Preston Wilbur and Carol Eagar Bushman, and spent her childhood and much of her life in the communities of Provo and Spanish Fork that she loved so dearly.

Deborah married her sweetheart, Gary Lynn Johnson, on December 27, 1978, in the Manti Utah Temple, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, faith, and quiet strength. Together they built a family rooted in love, learning, and service.

A proud graduate of Provo High School, Deborah continued her education at Dixie College before earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brigham Young University. She later completed additional teaching endorsements from various institutions, always seeking to grow, improve, and better serve the children she taught.

Deborah’s teaching career was a lifelong calling. She began by teaching 3rd grade in Nephi, Utah, later opened her own in home preschool where countless children felt safe, loved, and encouraged. She eventually joined Nebo School District, where she taught 1st grade until her retirement. Her students—many now grown—remember her as patient, creative, and endlessly nurturing.

Her hands were rarely still. Deborah found joy in quilting, sewing, crafting, gardening, and tending to her flowers. She loved camping, shopping for her children and grandchildren, and truly anything that involved her grandkids, who were the light of her life.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, Deborah served faithfully in many callings, including in the Young Women organization and the Relief Society Presidency. Her faith was steady, sincere, and reflected in the way she lived—quiet acts of kindness, thoughtful service, and a heart always turned toward others.

Deborah is survived by her loving husband, Gary; her daughters Alyse (Jeremy) James, Brenda (Mike) Locke, and Michelle (Cameron) Hardman; and her cherished grandchildren: Nicole James, Wesley James, Millie James, McKinlie Hardman, Macie Hardman, Kane Locke, and Jaxson Locke. She is also survived by her brothers Jerry (Janet) Bushman, David (LaVerne) Bushman, and Don (Debbie) Bushman.

She is preceded in death by her Parents; her brother Norman (Carol) Bushman; her sister Sherie (RB) Bolin; and her granddaughter Elizabeth James.

Deborah’s family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate caregivers at IHC Hospital, Meadow Peak Rehabilitation, and True North Hospice for their exceptional service and kindness.

A visitation in Deborah’s honor will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, located at 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. A second visitation will take place on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 9:45–10:45 a.m. at the LDS Church building located at 1486 East 130 North, Spanish Fork, Utah. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will take place at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.

The funeral service for Deborah Johnson will be streamed live. Please return to her memorial page shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026 and click on the link below.

Deborah Johnson Livestream Broadcast