Debra Kay "Debbie" Johnson Wigley, 68, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, surrounded by her family in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

Debbie was born in Missoula, Montana, to Glenn and Louise Johnson. A minister's daughter, she grew up in Topeka, Kansas, alongside her sisters, Karen and Janet, and her brother, David. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1976. Her life would later take her to Oklahoma and eventually Colorado, where she built lasting friendships and became deeply involved in helping others.

Family was always at the center of Debbie's life. She shared more than 30 years with her husband, Benny, building a life filled with love, laughter, family, friendships, and countless memories. She was incredibly proud of her daughter, Suzanne, and absolutely adored her grandkids, Andrew and Aubrey. Through her marriage to Benny, she also gained her stepson, Chris, whom she loved as one of her own.

Throughout her life, Debbie worked in several roles, but one especially close to her heart was working with kindergartners at the Youth Center at Altus Air Force Base. She loved the kiddos there and took great joy in watching them learn and grow.

That same caring nature followed her to Colorado, where she devoted her time to Because We Choose To and The Colorado Rare Disease Coalition. Through volunteer days, handups, advocacy, and donations, Debbie was a helping hand to people who needed one. She never did it for recognition, she simply believed people deserved to be heard, cared for, and reminded that they mattered.

Some of the best memories of Debbie are found in the simple things, cheering on her beloved Kansas Jayhawks, crafting, spending time with friends, being surrounded by family, and making sure the people around her were taken care of.

And then there was Debbie's personality. She had a quick wit, a perfectly timed comeback, and just enough sass to keep everyone on their toes. Even during her final months, that spark remained. She was affectionately referred to as "spicy," a fitting word for the humor, strength, and personality she carried with her until the end.

Debbie is survived by her daughter, Suzanne, and son-in-law, Jeff Brown; her stepson, Chris, and his wife, Kelly Wigley; her beloved grandkids, Andrew and Aubrey Brown; her mother, Louise Johnson; her sisters, Karen Sabicer and Janet Johnson; her brother, David, and his wife, Pam Johnson; as well as several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Glenn Johnson; her husband, Benny Wigley; and her brother-in-law, Doug Sabicer.

Debbie will be remembered for the way she loved her family, the compassion she showed others, her perfectly timed comebacks, and her unmistakable "spice." We will think of her whenever we watch Jayhawk basketball, but most of all, we will remember how she made people feel cared for simply by being herself.

She was deeply loved and will be forever missed.

Service details will be published as soon as they are available.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Because We Choose To or the Colorado Rare Disease Coalition and left in care of the funeral home.