May 17, 2024 4:00 a.m. 

Thursday afternoon the Roseburg School District announced that long time school board member, Rev. Howard Johnson passed away this week.

An email to district staff from Superintendent Jared Cordon said Johnson had served on the board since 2015. Johnson submitted his resignation in April, and it was formally accepted May 8th.

Rev. Johnson was the founder of Bethany Bible Fellowship in Roseburg, serving as pastor since 1989. He retired in 2021 from his career as corporate controller for D.R. Johnson Lumber Company in Riddle.

Cordon said Johnson was, “…an unapologetic advocate for equity and opportunity in our schools and community”. Cordon said, “And he played an integral role in the development of our district’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on ensuring all students receive the care, support and instruction needed to graduate from high school with plans for their most successful futures”.

Cordon said, “His death is a great loss to our district and community, however his legacy is an incredible gift. He taught many of us lessons in compassion, parity, empathy and common sense”. Cordon said some of Rev. Johnson’s most recent efforts as a school board member focused on addressing racism in local schools. Cordon said, “…his influence will continue to shape this work as we move forward”.

Cordon’s message to staff concluded by saying, “I am incredibly grateful to have known and worked alongside Rev. Johnson. And I am grateful for his faith in and vision for the success of our schools and community. Together, we can honor his memory by believing in and creating a brighter future for all”.

No details about a service to honor Rev. Howard Johnson have yet been released.