Stephen F. Johnson killed in combat in Iraq

After graduating from Pope High School and joining the Marines, Lance Cpl. Stephen F. Johnson returned several times to talk with students.

"He would tell about his basic training," said his former homeroom teacher, Marion Lister. "He was one of the few that really loved his basic training. He was such a good role model."

Johnson died in combat Sunday in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. He was 20.

Pope's principal, Charlotte Stowers, said teachers remembered him as "a very sweet and caring person. He was very dedicated to the military. He was serious about going to Iraq. He was proud of being in the military."

Johnson was in Lister's homeroom class for four years.

During his graduation ceremony in 2005, most of her homeroom students gave her a flower.

"He said 'They ran out of flowers, but I have a hug for you,' " Lister said. "He was a wonderful young man. He always had a smile. Always had a positive attitude."

Lister said the students were told of his death on Tuesday. They "were stunned," she said.

Lister said she has talked to Johnson's mother about his tour in Iraq, where he saw how difficult it was for children to go to school.

"He really understood how education was very important," Lister said.

Lister and other teachers wrote Johnson letters and sent him cards. Just recently her homeroom class sent Johnson Halloween cards.

"He would send correspondence back," Lister said. "In his last letter he said 'Tell your homeroom hi and I will see them in February.' "

The high school's Naval Junior ROTC color guard plans to raise a flag in Johnson's honor at 8 a.m. Monday. The flag will fly at half-staff Monday and Tuesday.

Johnson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. He was one of six Marines from Camp Lejeune killed in the past week in Iraq, the Department of Defense said Thursday.

Johnson's family lives in Gwinnett County.

Neighbors in the East Cobb community where Johnson grew up remembered a young man who was proud to be a Marine.

Janis Bousselot saw Johnson grow up. She has known his family for about 15 years.

"He was focused on his mission and what he wanted to do. He was proud to be a part of the Marines . . . He was standing tall and very polite talking and respectful," she said. He was "enthusiastic about what he was doing, what he was about to do."

Another neighbor, J. Ahrens, described Johnson as "just a good boy."

From the Journal Constitution