Deborah Wilkins Obituary

Deborah "Debby" Johnson Wilkins

Dec 11, 1951 - Mar 19, 2026

Deborah "Debby" Johnson Wilkins, 74, entered into the more immediate presence of her Lord and Savior, following a courageous and lengthy battle with COPD on March 19th, 2026. Debby was born on December 11th, 1951, to the late Eugene N. Johnson and Nell Williams Johnson in Yadkin County. Debby graduated from Forbush High School in 1970. Following High School, she worked for five years as a respiratory technician at Baptist Hospital. She then worked as a computer operator at Hanesbrands, where she retired after 22 years.

Debby grew up on the family farm. As the oldest and ringleader, she helped nurture and provided selfless attention to her family. As an adult she loved spending time at the beach, listening to beach music, watching NASCAR, the NHL and NFL, and the East Bend dragstrip (occasionally driving it). She grew up as a member of Union Grove Baptist, and later following her marriage to Ronnie Wilkins in 1973, became a member of Mizpah Moravian Church.

Debby is preceded in death by her parents and special niece, April. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, George R. "Ronnie" Wilkins; daughter, Courtney Wilkins and partner James; special grandchild, Bristol; sister, Gina Styers; brother, Terry Johnson (Donna); sister-in-law, Vicki Wilkins and family (Karina and George); and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind childhood and lifelong friend, Elaine Kimel.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 27th at Salem Funeral and Cremation Service, 2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27106.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Mountain Valley Hospice, PO Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106