Dr. Shakaria Deanna Johnson

Dr. Shakaria Deanna Johnson, affectionately known as “Deanna, Dee, or DD” to many, was born
in Sumter, SC on May 31, 1980, to Joseph Terry Johnson and Forstene (Johnson) Robinson.
Shakaria departed this earthly journey on August 15, 2023, after a courageous three-year battle
with breast cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her incredible legacy.

At the age of five, her father brought home a stethoscope which ignited her passion for
medicine. From that day forward, she resolved to become a Medical Doctor. After graduating
with honors from Sumter High School, Shakaria continued her educational journey at her
beloved Clemson University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. While at Clemson
University, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She then went
on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Public Health at Emory University. After completing an
Emerging Leaders Program at the National Institute of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), she returned home to follow her dream and was accepted at the
Medical University of South Carolina. After graduating from medical school, Shakaria
completed Internal Medicine Residency at Brookland Baptist Health Systems in Birmingham, AL,
as well as an Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Virginia. Shakaria was employed as a
Regional Medical Director for the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC
DHEC) for the Pee Dee Region. She later transitioned to the position of Medical Consultant for
the Division of STD/HIV & Viral Hepatitis, which she held upon her passing.

At the early age of 13, Shakaria accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Throughout her
Christian journey, she was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Grace Cathedral Ministries
and West Ashley Church of God. She was very active in Sunday School and youth ministries
throughout her teenage and young adolescent life. Wherever she found herself in life, she
always became involved with the ministry. The Word of God became her anchor and her love of
God continued throughout her journey. Her life was a full expression of her gratitude as a
servant of God.

Like a fingerprint, Shakaria left a unique imprint on the lives of far too many to count. She was
an amazing gift to all who were blessed to know her or have an encounter with her. She had a
special way of connecting with people from all walks of life regardless of age, background, or
status. She always graced everyone with her kind heart, striking smile, sweet spirit, humility,
elegance, quiet strength, selflessness, and radiant light. She would go the extra mile to make
sure each person under her care was taken care of; she often would decrease herself to
increase the life of someone else. She was a solid rock in her family as well as an incredible and
true friend.

Shakaria’s legacy and memories will continue through her mother Forstene (Jerome) Robinson;
brothers Jalil (Georgelyn) Johnson and Joseph Johnson; sister Shanaria Johnson; aunts Annette
Watson Barnette, Vermell Delk, and Shirley Johnson; grandaunts Hattie Smith, Dorothy Peters
and Veronica Ferrell; uncles Robert Lee (Vonda) Johnson, Hammie (Esther) Johnson, Ernest
Watson, and Bennell (Denise) Ferrell; close cousins Bakari (Cindy) Johnson, LaKeasha Johnson, Terrence Sam, and Rosalind Sam; nephews Elijah Williams, Dominique Pearson, Jordan Pearson and Cameron Pearson; nieces Zyon Williams Johnson and Savannah Pearson; godfather Frank Levi;
godmother Hermenia (Chris) Benjamin; bonus mothers Geraldine Singleton and Cynthia (Oliver) Smalls; special friend
John G. Bonaparte; and an abundance of loving cousins, family members, best friends, and
colleagues that were blessed to have her as a part of their lives. Shakaria was proceeded in
death by her father Joseph Terry Johnson, paternal grandparents John and Thelma Johnson,
and maternal grandparents Ransom and Melissa Watson.