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WakeEd
The WakeEd blog is devoted to discussing and answering questions about the major issues facing the Wake County school system as it prepares to undergo historic changes. Will the new school board scrap the diversity policy in favor of neighborhood schools? Will year-round schools be converted back to a traditional calendar? How will the new board respond to growth and the school construction program?
WakeEd is maintained by The News & Observer's Wake schools reporter, T. Keung Hui. While Keung posts information and analysis on the issues, keep us posted on your suggestions, questions, tips and what you're doing to cope with the changes in Wake's schools.
Former Wake principal Luther Johnson dies after illness
Submitted by KeungHui on 06/30/2009 - 09:55
I've got some sad news to pass along.
Luther Johnson, most recently the former principal of Holly Springs High School, died Friday after a long illness. He was 39.
Johnson was also a past principal of Leesville Road Middle School and an assistant principal at Wakefield High School.
Johnson was the first principal of Holly Springs High, which opened in 2006. But he was sick for much of the past year, leading to Ramey Beavers serving a lengthy period as interim principal.
Timothy Lee Locklair was named the new permanent principal of Holly Springs High last month. He had been principal of Apex Middle School.
Johnson's funeral service will be on Thursday. Click here for his obituary.
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Comments
Dearly Missed
Wed, 07/01/2009 - 15:01 — klearkutMr. Johnson was the best principal and mentor I will ever know. He was the BEST Principal Wakefield ever had and I am lucky to have known him, and Blessed that he took me under his wing. Mr. Johnson is the reason I went to WSSU, the reason I'm at Duke Grad school now. I will forever thank God for putting me on the Path that crossed his. He will be sorely missed.
This right here
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 15:59 — inallhonestyIs proof that some people never grow up ... and is a sure sign of why some of the children running around our such self centered beasts; they get it from their parents.
A life was lost ... a WONDERFUL person has died and you cannot leave a sympathy comment without bringing up an issue that is not even RELEVANT and it sure as hell does not supersede the death of Mr. Johnson. I got a good place for you to stick some of those instruments ....
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Johnson. I met him only a handful of times, but I loved his enthusiasm and the encouragement he gave to the children. I'll never forget the night after HS got dogged by another football team ... I overheard him in the office talking to one of the football players about how spectacular his performance was. I was just like "wow". He was special.
Mr. Johnson will be missed.
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 15:41 — momof2goodboysHe was special. To say that he was a good role model is such an understatement! His smile was contagious and could light up any room! Mr. Johnson, you will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
what was the illness?
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 14:38 — sixnineThat is mighty young age to die.
My condolences.
Luther Johnson's death
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 14:03 — InterestedParentLuther Johnson was a wonderful principal at Leesville Middle. He was so great to work with and one of the finest principals I have ever known. Energy, enthusiasm, intelligence, great out-reach to parents, phenomenal communicator, wonderful role model to students. I could go on, but he was a terrific person whose life was too short. I hope his positive influence on the many students will be his legacy.
Sherry Frost, former PTA Pres at Leesville Middle
Luther Johnson - an exemplary educator and administrator...
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 15:47 — midtownmomLuther Johnson left a wonderful legacy to Leesville Middle, among the other schools that were lucky enough to have him serve. Sherry, thank you for such heartwarming thoughts to honor him, I only wish that everyone who posted on this particular topic would be as respectful as you.
I know this might not be
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 15:53 — dryeraseuserI know this might not be anyone's business, but I was just wondering for a man, at this age to die. What was wrong with Mr. Johnson?
My thoughts are with his family and friends.
No its no of your business
Wed, 07/01/2009 - 08:17 — woodsNo its no of your business or any one else business. Dont you know death does not have a number on it. Just let your thoughts be with his family and friends. And not the cause of his death.
His cousin,
I think people cared so much
Wed, 07/01/2009 - 23:50 — momof2goodboysI think people cared so much for him that they are just concerned. Someone with so much potential dying so young makes us all think about our own mortality. We do have you all in our thoughts and prayers- that you can be sure of.
OUCH!!! LOL Why so
Wed, 07/01/2009 - 17:14 — dryeraseuserOUCH!!! LOL
Why so hostile?????
Holly Springs is lucky to have Mr. Locklair
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 12:38 — jodi37I just love the people who enjoy giving Mr. Locklair a hard time about this decision to move to Holly Springs. Mr. Locklair did not make that orchestra decision by himself. Get that into your thick skulls. Holly Springs will be lucky to have him since they were leader free for at least two months before Mr. Beavers came into the picture and they almost lost him in the middle of the semester. Mr. Johnson wanted to come back to work but only proved that he wasn't fit to work. MOST of the faculty and students accepted Mr. Beavers with open arms and I am sure they will Mr. Locklair. RIP, Mr. Johnson, your former pain is now joy.
So Mr. Locklair cuts out the
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 11:55 — nandud1962So Mr. Locklair cuts out the Orchestra program at AMS and then high-tails it to Holly Springs High.
RIP, Mr. Johnson. You didn't live long enough, but I bet you made an impression on those lives you touched.
some info
Tue, 06/30/2009 - 12:59 — mjc1973I am quite sure that most of the blame for cutting out the orchestra program was not the principal's doing. Budgets are tight. Orchestra programs in many middle schools do not have high request rates. There are other middle schools in Wake County that no longer have orchestra programs.