Deborah Johnson Dugger, 59, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Deborah was born on July 6, 1967, in Nashville, TN, and was raised in the Nashville area, where she graduated from Mount Juliet High School in 1985. She later graduated from Cumberland University with Honors as a Registered Nurse and earned her Master's Degree from Tennessee State University as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Deborah lived in Franklin, TN, with her husband.
Deborah’s life was marked by a steady devotion to her family, her calling into nursing, and to the Lord whom she loved and served. She gave her heart to the Lord on August 27, 1978, and her faith in Christ was the foundation of her life, sustaining her through every season. Compassion came naturally to her, and those who knew her best will remember how faithfully she poured herself into others with her generosity, encouragement and genuine care.
She found joy in traveling, flower gardening, interior design and most of all in being with her family and friends. Deborah’s laughter was infectious, and her smile could light a room. Whether it was a holiday, a family gathering or an ordinary day, Deborah had a way of making every occasion meaningful and filled with love. To many, she was beloved and cherished; to her family, she was the heart that held everyone close. Known to some family members as “Gucci," she carried that same warmth and delight into every gathering, leaving behind memories that will continue to be celebrated in the days ahead.
Since 2010, Deborah’s passion has been to use her nursing skills and knowledge to travel around the world on medical mission journeys. She faithfully served in over nine countries with a selfless love and generous heart, all while living out her love for Christ through caring for the medical needs of those less fortunate and telling them about Jesus.
Deborah was preceded in death by her father, James Timothy Johnson. She is survived by her mother, Jimmie Sue (Kelley) Johnson; her loving husband of 41 years, Verrall Leonard Dugger; her daughter, Rachel Dugger Sanborn (Craig); her granddaughter, Ryleigh Sanborn; her grandson, Cooper Sanborn; her sister, Dawn Jordan; and her brothers Jeff Watkins (Kim) and Randy Johnson (Tina). Deborah also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Brentwood Baptist, 7777 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN, on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, and again on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. A Celebration of Deborah’s Life will follow on Monday at 11:00 am with her brother-in-law, Dr. Andre Dugger, officiating. Following the service, Deborah will be laid to rest in the Garden of Everlasting Life at Hermitage Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN, at 3:00 pm.
Those wishing to honor the life and memory of Deborah are invited to make a memorial gift to the Deborah Dugger Memorial Nursing Scholarship for Mission Journeys. It is our prayer that this scholarship will continue her legacy by encouraging and supporting future nurses who are called to go on medical mission journeys to care for others with the same kindness, dedication, and Christ-like love Deborah shared throughout her life. Memorial gifts may be made at ElliotsBridge.com
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