Debra Gail Cosby Johnson passed away peacefully the morning of February 27, 2025 at the age of 69.

Visitation: 6 pm to 8 pm Friday, March 7, 2025 at Lake Shore Funeral Home, Waco, TX

Funeral Service: 10 am Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Lake Shore Funeral Home, Waco, TX

Reception: 12 pm Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Lee Lockwood Museum and Library, 2801 W. Waco Dr, Waco, TX 

Debra Cosby was born on September 21, 1955, to Alberta and Ulysses Cosby in Waco, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Louis Johnson Sr, who passed away on January 4, 2016; her brother, Keith Anthony Cosby of Waco, TX, who passed on September 10, 2023; and her beloved mother, Alberta Cosby, who passed on August 29, 2022. 

There is a famous quote that says, "Anyone who keeps learning stays young." Debra lived by this principle, always seeking knowledge throughout her life. She attended G.L. Wiley Junior High and graduated from Waco High School in 1973. Like her mother, Alberta, Debra had a passion for learning and teaching. This love for education led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University and a Master's in Secondary Administration from Paul Quinn College. It was during her time at Paul Quinn that she formed a lasting friendship with Tanya McCloud.

Debra married Robert Louis Johnson Sr. on February 9, 1974 and together they raised two children: Robert Louis Johnson Jr. (Jersey City, NJ) and Misti LeMae Johnson Mostiller (Robinson, TX). Robert Jr. and Misti were the center of Debra's world and she loved them unconditionally, taking great pride in both their academic and athletic achievements. Robert made it a point to take his mom and grandmother on trips around the world, including time spent overseas in France and other countries, while Misti played a crucial role in caring for Debra, especially as she battled Multiple Sclerosis.

Debra's commitment to education was evident in her decades of service with the Waco Independent School District. She had a long and resilient career, working at Sul Ross, Mountainview, Cedar Ridge (where she was honored as Principal of the Year,) and A.J. Moore High School. She especially enjoyed her time at A.J. Moore High School where she served as Assistant Principal under her dear friend, Debra Bishop, and trusted and beloved colleague, Angela Reheir. Debra Bishop shared, "We had many happy times working together. She was always a kind and compassionate friend and colleague, and I could always count on her."

Debra's true passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom as she found fulfillment in sharing her faith and discussing the Bible. She was baptized as one of Jehovah's Christian Witnesses in 1993 and throughout her life, she remained steadfast in her ministry. Even as she battled severe pain from Multiple Sclerosis and other health challenges, she prioritized her Christian service, focusing on prayer, Bible study, and preaching. During the pandemic, Debra's unwavering spirit and dedication to her ministry inspired all who knew her. She would want to be remembered most for her faithfulness as she remained dedicated to her spiritual work to the very end of her life. Many fondly recall the phone calls, texts, and memes Debra sent to express her love and concern, always putting others before herself.

If you knew Debra, you knew she loved to joke and "high side" with her friends and family. Her best friends, including but definitely not limited to, Beverly Johnson, Alecia Ward, Debra Bishop, Tanya McCloud, and Doloris Walker, will tell you she always had a joke ready to lighten the mood. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren, often teasing them, especially Kaden, who she affectionately called "Kadensaurus."

Debra is survived by her uncle, Gerald Wayne Elliott Sr. (Addie) of Waco, TX; her son, Robert Louis Johnson Jr. of Jersey City, NJ; her daughter, Misti Johnson Mostiller (Steven Q.) of Waco, TX; grandchildren, Kalil Johnson-Washington, who lovingly cared for his "Granny D" until the end, and Kaden Samuel Mostiller, both of Waco, TX, Alice Kathryn Johnson of Stockholm, Sweden, and Louis River Johnson of Jersey City, NJ. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Beverly Johnson, Maudine Johnson, and Dara Johnson, all of Waco, TX; nieces, Sheila Merkledove of Clifton, TX, Cheryl Mims of Waco, TX, Erica Johnson of Katy, TX, Wanna Perkins of Houston, TX, Daphanie Latchison of Waco, TX, Victoria Janae Cosby Jordan of Waco, TX, Brittany Johnson of Waco, TX; nephews, Larue Mims of Maryland, Donnie Johnson of NC, Wayne Johnson Jr. of Houston, TX, Gregory Johnson Jr. of Waco, TX, Dwayne Johnson of Houston, TX, Dwight Johnson (Mia) of GA, Derrick Johnson (Brittany) of Cedar Park, TX, Preston Johnson of Houston, TX, Daneric Johnson of Waco, TX; cousins, Leslie Raymond Bolden (Quintessa) of Houston, TX, Gerald Wayne Elliott Jr. (Nichelle) of Mount Kisco, NY, Saul C. Elliott aka JuneBug (Mary) of Waco, TX, Gregory Prentis (Kandy) of Denver, CO, Brett Prentis of Arizona, Darryl Prentis of San Francisco, CA, Sherry Elliott Wilson (Willie) of Waco, TX, Kenneth Elliott aka PeeWee of Waco, TX, Vickie Elliott Griffin (Gerry) of Lancaster, TX, Trina Rodgers (Robert), Anita Satchell (Mark) of Denver, CO, Lisa Prentis of Denver, CO, Alexa Elliott, Kezia Footman (aka Jimmy), Shellia Jimenez of Joliet, IL, and "adopted brother" Dwight Battle Sr, "adopted son "Dwight Battle Jr, and "adopted daughter" Michelle Battle, all of Waco, TX. Debra is also survived by a host of other beloved family and friends, too numerous to list but deeply cherished. 

Debra's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched through her faith, work, and love.