Life Reflections of Debbie Lee Wharry

With love, gratitude, and heavy hearts we bid farewell to our beloved Debbie who
transitioned early Christmas morning, December 25, 2025. Just a few days before
leaving us, she said, "I am too Blessed to be Stressed!'
Debbie was born July 14, 1965, to Ada and Orlee Wharry in Riverside, CA. She was the
apple of her father's eyes. In 1968 her family settled in North Highlands, CA where she
grew up. She attended elementary, middle school and graduated from Highlands High
School.
Her journey of life started early, she was an active child who thrived playing and
competing in multiple sports. As a swimmer, she secured a spot on the Highlands High
School Swim Team. Specifically, she won various awards as a member of the swimming
relay team. Her athleticism was also present as a member of the song and cheerleading
team, the varsity volleyball team and both the girls' basketball and softball teams. She
joined Junior Achievement of Sacramento as a teen to learn leadership,
entrepreneurship, and financial literacy but she enjoyed so many other things as well.
Debbie, her brother, Ira, friends, and classmates spent time together at Lou's Burger in
North Highlands just to hang out and make memories.
Following her senior year Debbie attended American River Jr. College. In 1983 she
made her debut, "A New Beginning" with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The
Debutante Ball. The social introduction and interaction fed her spirit of networking and
Black Excellence. She loved black art shows, traveling, shopping and entertaining in her
home. The DJ and the bartenders sometimes changed but the same friends showed up
each year on July 14 at her annual birthday parties. Her birthday celebration would last
the entire month.
Debbie was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of North Highlands. Her love of
God and deeply rooted faith never wavered. At the age of 24 she was diagnosed with
Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Instead of being angry she embraced the journey of self-
discovery and growth. She joined the Sacramento MS Society, to gain knowledge about
her health, which brought new friends to add to her parties. Her desire to be active in
the community led her to take on the challenge of creating First Friday events in the
Sacramento area.
Debbie made a significant impact during her employment with the State of California,
Department of Transportation where she worked for 27 years. She supported her co-
workers, led with passion, was creative and committed to her job until her health started
to decline, leading to early retirement. Though MS ravaged her earthly body it never got
the best of her. She won the war with faith, grace, love, and integrity.

Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Orlee, and Ada Wharry; brother, Ira and his
son, Steven; and her sister, Emma. She leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Eddie
Johnson, and his wife Donna; A special friend, Tina Abbott; Aunt Laura, Aunt Dean and
Aunt Louisa; a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and
many special friends. She will be deeply missed!