Deborah K. Camp-Johnson

Deborah K. Camp-Johnson was born on April 19, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, the sixth child of Raymond O’Neil Smith, Sr. and Nellie Elizabeth (Moses). She was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith at St. Martin of Tours and received her early education at Dewey and Anna Michen Elementary Schools. A dedicated student, she graduated with honors from Tilden High School before attending college. Deborah built a successful professional life, serving in a managerial role at Illinois Bell Telephone Company and later working briefly as an IRS Agent. She was a career woman through and through — sharp, capable, and especially gifted in math. Many family members remember her willingness to proofread term papers, offer research advice, and encourage academic excellence. Affectionately called “Diaper” by her brother Jackie — a nickname lovingly bestowed by her paternal grandfather, “Granddad” — Deborah was the sister and aunt who could always be counted on. Her home and her heart overflowed with memories: countless photo albums, mementos from sacraments, graduations, weddings, and every milestone worth celebrating. Deborah loved an adventure. She was the steady second driver on spontaneous road trips to Michigan and Georgia. Always ready to go, always ready to help. Family gatherings at Ma’s House remain legendary — the food, the laughter, the noise, the joy, and the closeness that only a big family can create. And as the years brought both celebration and sorrow, Deborah remained a calm, grounding presence. From the yellow Pontiac Sunbird to the brown Pontiac Bonneville to the many Volvos that followed, Deborah’s reliability was a defining trait. Even her phone numbers — first 374-8672, later 841-0311 — became part of the family’s collective memory, because she was always reachable, always there. Although Deborah proudly believed she could cook, the family knew better — and loved her for it. She had a few signature dishes she made with confidence: oxtail soup, a chocolate cake with mint-green icing, deviled eggs, and her famous “garbage salads.” What she lacked in culinary skill, she more than made up for in hospitality, hosting movie nights and family gatherings with warmth, generosity, and her unmistakable charm. Deborah’s life was one of quiet strength, loyalty, and love — a life marked not by grand gestures, but by steady presence, unwavering dependability, and the countless ways she showed up for the people she loved. The “K” in her name stood for Kohanasan, meaning “little flower” — a Japanese name befitting Deborah, who embodied delicacy, beauty, and elegance in both spirit and presence. Deborah leaves to mourn her sisters Angie (d. Linwood), Lydia (d. Milton), and Dannielle (Mitchelle); her sisters-in-love Maria (d. Jackie) and Mary (d. Ibeck); her brother-in-love Walt (d. Ramona); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who cherished her deeply.She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Nellie; her siblings Jackie (Marie), Sherrie (d. Michael), Ibeck (Mary), Joseph, Pauline (d. Alfred), Ramona (Walter), Wanda, Owen, and Theresa; and her nephews Michael and Marcus, all of whom welcomed her into eternal rest. Deborah brought true middle-child energy — steady, reliable, and quietly anchoring — to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her dependability, her gentle humor, and her unwavering presence will be missed by all who loved her.

Deborah K. Camp-Johnson

April 19, 1949 - April 8, 2026