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Stephen Johns Obituary
The gunman exchanged fire with guards, including 39-year-old Stephen T. Johns of Temple Hills, Md., who died at a Washington hospital from his injuries, police said. Authorities have said 88-year-old James W. von Brunn, a white supremacist, was under investigation in the shooting.
Sara Bloomfield, director of the museum, described Johns as "a great friend who greeted us every day with a wonderful smile — and he will be missed."
"Obviously, there are no words to express our grief and shock," she said.
Johns, a 1988 graduate of Crossland High School in Maryland, worked for Wackenhut Services Inc., based in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., that has contracted security services at the museum since 2002, according to a company statement. Johns had been posted at the museum since joining the firm in 2003. The museum has about 70 officers and supervisors on the force.
Guards are armed with .38-caliber revolvers and dress in police-type uniforms, the company said. It said preliminary details indicate the officers responded appropriately when facing the gunman, who opened fire with a rifle.
The president and others commended the work of Johns and the other guards.
"We have lost a courageous security guard who stood watch at this place of solemn remembrance," President Barack Obama said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this painful time."
D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty also had words of praise.
"The men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to ensure our safety are truly heroes, and I am deeply saddened that this senseless act of violence threatened the safety of our community," Fenty said in a statement.
Bill Parsons, chief of staff at the museum, said Johns and other guards "did exactly what they were supposed to do to protect people at the museum."
"Never take your guard force and security people for granted," he said.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
896 Entries
Yofee Israel
January 5, 2026
Hey Steve, it amazes me how certain people pop up in my mind, and you are one of them. Gone but not forgotten.
R C
December 4, 2018
We went to the museum the day before. Stephen is definitely memorable. He was warm and immediately engaged our son, jesting with him. Could tell that Stephen was someone special. Know that even all these years later, even those that only had brief contact with Stephen shed a tear for him.
K Monroe
June 7, 2017
I remember you , Mr Johns. Your warm smile and affable personality left an impact. We chatted outside the museum for several minutes as you explained the layout of The Mall to me.
I am so sorry.
How you can show support
Tomika Gore
February 10, 2013
RIP in the arms of the Lord, my friend!
October 13, 2009
Hi Steve! you been on my mind alot..missing you like crazy:)
September 10, 2009
Hi steve...3 months....a road we never thought we'd have to travel, but thank God we're not doing it alone:)
The Henerie family
August 19, 2009
"Stephen Tyrone Johns"
A young life cut tragically short!
Stephen will be remembered everyday for his heroic efforts.
Acts 24:15 and 1John 4:8
Sorry for your loss!
Ricardo Colón-Avilés
July 29, 2009
"The dear loved ones that leave us, do not abandon us, they simply wait for us".
Anonymous
khurram hayat
July 29, 2009
so sad, all he was trying to was his job r.i.p from the muslim community in milpitas ca
July 27, 2009
Hi Steve...U kno lil sis bday today....the party was friday..you would have had a good time except for the way she was dancing..too much! lol...I miss you! :)
Steve & Brian 5/17/08
July 16, 2009
July 16, 2009
Hi Steve,
I just talked to kia..she's overwhelmed..u said you would take care of her and the boys.u are. somedays i wonder how we are making it..how am i able to do simple things like go wash clothes,or drive to work...how did she take herself to the grocery store yesterday?? its weird..its a void...but the happiness fills it some times..others you cant ignore. i stayed over last night..and i heard you in the hallway....next time announce yourself. lol...I wasn't scared tho...i wish you would come to my house and see me sometimes..but I'm never there so i would probably miss you....
you know that poem..Footprints in the sand?? thats exactly how i feel...HE is the only reason we are able to move forward. The only way..i'm glad you're there with him.
Luv you,
sis
Veronica
July 14, 2009
To the family:
I didn't know your relative but I have respect for all our men in uniform that protect us. I know this is a tragedy that is hard to deal with, but I hope there is comfort in knowing that Mr. Johns died a hero. Keep the faith and tell the boys to be strong and to continue to grow into the man that their father would want them to be.
July 13, 2009
Heard you got your set of wings today..open them up and fly away...I MISS U STEVE!!! It's been 1 month and 3 days...feels like forever..feels like yesterday...please stop by my house and visit me..i would really appreciate it..i hope i dont have to wait until i cook dinner though! lol
Sis
July 6, 2009
MORNING STEVE:) THE 4TH WAS REALLY NICE...MISS U
Johnette Pollard
June 26, 2009
Steve, guess what??
Santana Moss signed something very special for you..i know you are doing flips over this one!! wish you were here to enjoy it.
Sis
Mark Rosenthal
June 25, 2009
I did not respond quickly enough before the funeral, sorry. Stephen Tyrone Johns did his job well as a place that is almost holy to many of us jews. His work and efforts made him part of a larger family. My condolences to his family, may G-d smile upon them and protect them. I have said Kaddish for Stephen. May he rest in peace.
The Cromer Family
June 23, 2009
My family an I have just read this about this terrible thing that has happen to this young man we are so truely sorry. I do'nt know how all of this hate is going to end but I do know it has got to STOP ! I know our heart 's are breaking for this family. Please know that God is with you all an love's you very much.We are praying for you in this heart acheing time. Love in Christ
Shonda T
June 23, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Johns family at this time. God bless.
June 23, 2009
Our heartfelt sympathy to your family.
It is my hope and prayer, that we all stop the prejudices of this era and look to God for the love to reach out to all. God Bless your family at this time. B&D Benson, Levant, Maine
June 23, 2009
Our condolences to his family. He is a hero. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Debbie Rollins
June 23, 2009
As long as you, his family, are alive, Stephen is alive. May he rest in peace.
cathy t
June 22, 2009
I was at the Museum a few months ago and remember his smile. It was a bitterly cold day . I waited over a half hour for friends and I noticed him because of his warmth and friendly smile. I am so sorry for your loss. He graced the Museum just by his smile.
R JOYNER
June 22, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mark Franklin Fields
June 22, 2009
To The Family of Stephen Johns:
I am sending you my sympathy in your time of breavement. I iknow that you have loss a love one who has gone on home to be with his LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, but once that time comes for all of us to be with him in glory then that is going to be the best party after all because we will be able to see him in the air.
With all my LOVE, THOUGHTS, and PRAYERS for you and the rest of the Johns Family members, you have my sympathy and I will be praying that the LORD see you through this time of the loss of the one angel who has gone home waiting on your to come to join him.
Sincerely,
Mark Franklin Fields
Southeast, Washington, DC
June 22, 2009
my heart goes out to his family , may you find the strength to go on with gods help
Carolyn
June 22, 2009
To the Family,
May you be comforted by the wonderful memories you have of your beloved husband, dad, son, and friend. Know that God can bring you through. God bless all of you in this difficult time.
Linda C. Jones
June 22, 2009
"Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot Heal"...Stay strong in the Lord.
Jose Reyes
June 21, 2009
Stephen may you be at peace, my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Anne Brunson
June 21, 2009
To The Johns Family:
I was saddened about the tragedy your family suffered. Earth has no sorrow that HEAVEN cannot heal. You're in my prayers.
Trese
June 21, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Crystal
June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day Mr. Johns!
Brita Levy
June 21, 2009
Thank you Stephen Johns for guarding the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. I feel so sad and I offer my condolences, thoughts, and prayers to your friends and family.
Brita Levy,
Daughter of holocaust survivors
Barbara Thomas
June 21, 2009
To the family and freinds of Mr. Johns. May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door. May God continue to comfort and bless you.
Diann Quander-Walton
June 21, 2009
TO THE JOHNS FAMILY;
Though we did not personally know Officer Johns, the kind words spoken both by all acknowledges, that he was the kind of "Father", "Son", "Husband" that "GOD" molded him to be. His heroic act in protecting those that he did not know will be forever remembered by the nation. We pray that "GOD" will grant each of you strengh in getting through this tough storm.
Bryan Oliver
June 21, 2009
bryan oliver
The Higginbotham's
June 21, 2009
May you find comfort in prayer. You are in ours.
Florida,Mariah and Simone
jl farmer
June 21, 2009
may god grant you peace and help heal your heart from the pain of your loss.may god also bless you and keep you in his love. j.l.farmer, ohio
Michael Knight
June 21, 2009
To my buddy and my friend Stephen...you will be missed greatly by me. To all of the family I bring my condolences and my continued prayers for your strength in the lord while you are pressing on. Please know that "Earth has no sorrow that ...Heaven cannot heal...
Stephen's old buddy,
RIP my friend
June 20, 2009
Kia,
I am truly saddened by the loss of your love one. My prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ola McCloud & Family
June 20, 2009
To the family of Stephen Jones,may god bless and keep you. Mrs. Brown (Ocala, FL)
June 20, 2009
To the family and friends of Stephen Jones, you are in our thoughts and prayers for the loss in your lives. Thank you Officer Jones for your ultimate sacrifice for our safety! The Hynson Family (Anchorage, AK)
Marsha Hunter
June 20, 2009
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family in your time of grief.
Chandra Webb
June 20, 2009
May God comfort and bless you and your son during this time.
Therese Guccione
June 20, 2009
FOR THE FAMILY & FRIENDS OF STEPHEN TYRONE JOHNS:
AS A MOTHER OF A POLICE OFFICER I CAN'T QUITE IMAGINE WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. EVERYDAY MY SON IS AT WORK, I WONDER IF I WILL GET THAT ONE PHONE CALL FROM HIS WIFE. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU.
YOUR SON, HUSBAND, FATHER AND FRIEND DID HIS JOB, "TO SERVE & TO PROTECT."
OTHERS NEED TO THINK ABOUT THOSE WORDS AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT TAKE THAT OATH. THIS MAN IS TRULY A HERO AND ALL OF US ARE PROUD OF HIM. OUR HEARTS ARE HURTING ALONG WITH YOURS'. MR. JOHNS GAVE HIS LIFE "TO SERVE & PROTECT." HE KEPT HIS WORD.
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. IT'S AN HONOR TO BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO EXPRESS MY THOUGHTS. MR. JOHNS WILL REST IN PEACE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Susan Zehner
June 20, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
June 20, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Claude & Shirley Braxton
We send our heartfelt syphathy in the
untimely death of Officer Stephen Tyrone Jones. God bless.
Margie Cromer
June 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time of grief. Your husband and father was taken away needlessly. My sincere deepest sympathy. May his love continue to surround you each day as he will always be with you in your hearts.
Jacqueline Johnson
June 19, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the Johns Family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God comfort and keep each of you.
DR Jesse Baines
June 19, 2009
In 2003 you help my wife and I into the Museum, my wife was in a wheelchair, you help take it out of our Van and pushed my wife into the Museum. The USHMM has lost a great man. May God watch over your family now. Shalom! Dr. J.M. Baines , Knoxville TN
RACHEAL POINDEXTER
June 19, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Robert Newby
June 19, 2009
God Bess the family of Mr.Stephen T. Johns. A man of grace and bravery. If it is any consolation to his wife and sons, God has given him the greatest reward for this Fathers Day. Let God lead you through these times. I am so sorry for this tragedy,but let God heal you, and you take it as easy as you can. There are no words to say how I feel, except his reward in heaven is very fitting. God Bless You
Crystal
June 19, 2009
Stephen,
The events surrounding your loss are still surreal to me. I don't know you or any of your relatives, but I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through right now.
I thank God that although we had to lose you, that you were able to prevent other lives from being lost.
I pray for your family and especially for your son. I saw him on the news and he said you were nothing more than a wonderful dad to him. I also heard that your homegoing service was beautiful.
I send my blessings out to you and your family members. They say that God puts no more on you than you can handle and will give you the strength to survive.
June 19, 2009
We bid you Shalom! May Hashem bestow his grace upon you and your family.
stephanie goodwin
June 19, 2009
God Bless the family!
June 19, 2009
To the wife, son and family of Officer Stephen Johns, please know that you are thought about in a warm and loving way and that our prayers will be with you now and in the coming days. He is with the Lord now. Peace be with you. The Gordon Family (Atlanta, GA)
Shaleka Ford
June 19, 2009
To the Johns family, the lord does not make any mistakes, he needed another angel to work for him up in heaven. trust in the lord and let him lead the way and trust me when I say Stephen is holding a space up in heaven for all of you GOD-BLESS
M P
June 19, 2009
I am so very sorry for your senseless loss. May God be with your entire family through this difficult time and the years ahead.
June 19, 2009
Jackie,
My prayers are with you and your family. Continue to look to God for strength to make it thru.
Janet Allen
Washington, DC
June 19, 2009
This is such a tragedy. God be with his family. God be with you all. Jolanda Kelly (Warner Robins,GA)
June 19, 2009
My sincere deepest sympathy
Kannapolis, North Carolina
maria cribbs
June 19, 2009
Thank you for first being a gentleman, and then for being a hero.
June 19, 2009
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family.
May God keep his spirits within your hearts forever.
Oxon Hill, Md.
Gail A
June 19, 2009
To the Johns Family:
I wish to express my sincere sympathies to you during this trying time. Please know that "Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not healed." May God's peace and comfort be with you.
June 19, 2009
A nation mourns the loss of Stephen Johns. Every day i pass our security guards and always say hello and thank you because they are here to protect. Hate will never win in a world that fosters so much hope. May time heal these wounds as we go forward together more united and more hopeful that love will conquer the hate that lies within some.
Beverly Holman
June 19, 2009
To the Johns Family:
I did not know Mr. Johns but am saddened of a loss of a courageous man. May GOD hold you in his hands and comfort you. He is your guardian angel. You are in my prayers.
Brenda Gleaton
June 19, 2009
May the Lord hold you in his arms as he carry the family forward, day by day. My prayers are with you.
June 19, 2009
Dear family & friends of Mr. Stephen T. Johns, may you know that many people all over the country are praying for your strength and that God gives you comfort. Many kind words have been spoken of Mr. Johns and may he now be resting in the arms of our Lord. Amen. ~KAH, Las Vegas, NV
KC Brooks
June 19, 2009
May the Lord bless, keep and comfort the family and loved ones of Officer Stephen Tyrone Jones. God has opened the gates of heaven to let him in; he is welcome in eternity. May the Lord bless and keep you all.
Carolyn Brooks
June 19, 2009
I offer condolences and prayers for the family of Officer Johns. May God bless and keep you.
Linda Marshall
June 19, 2009
To John Jr.,Mrs Carter, and Mrs Johns: I could only imagine the pain you all have gone through these past days. My family has prayed so much for you. We have asked God to give you the strength,the courage and the understanding you will need in the days ahead. Only God can help you understand why He chose Stephen to be a flower in the Heavenly Garden at this time. You have our heartfelt and very deep sympathy this day and everyday you will be in our prayers.God bless and keep you always.
Dot Davis
June 19, 2009
My prayers are going out to you this hour, as the services start for your dear husband and father. I pray for Jesus and his Blessed Mother to be with you and give you comfort and peace. I truly grieve with you.
Andrew Jackson
June 19, 2009
You proved to be your brothers keeper. Let there be no doubt, you offered up your life to save others.... You pass the test, and have moved on
June 19, 2009
My prayers and thoughts are with the family of Stephen Tyrone Johns. May God bless and keep you.
June 19, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Our deepest sympathy
Mr. & Mrs. Franklin Scott & Family
Jarrett
June 19, 2009
May the work that you've done sir follow u into eternity. God grant u peace and rest in his everlasting arms.
June 19, 2009
I did not know Mr. Johns and I am saddend that his life ended so soon. God had another plan for him. He's looking down on you now. May the love of God be with you now and always.
A Concerned Citizen.
Jenise Ross Dougherty
June 19, 2009
Dear Loved Ones, Family, Coworkers, and Friends of Officer Johns,
May God's love be with you as you celebrate the life of Officer Johns today. His homegoing will be not be the end, but the beginning. A nation mourns with you. May our prayers give you comfort.
Pamela Jones
June 19, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Wednesday
June 19, 2009
To The Family of Officer Johns,
My thoughts and prayers have been with the family since tragedy hit. Officer Johns will ALWAYS be remembered by my family because my son was on a school trip that day. Officer Johns will be remembered as my "ANGEL". He protected the children and others from being hurt.
I'm truly sorry for your family's loss!
"Continued Blessings & Prayers from my home to yours"
June 19, 2009
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY ALL, I FEEL LIKE I KNEW YOU I WAS SO TOUCHED.
LOVE MARY HIGH
TOLEDO, OHIO
Sarah Harrison
June 19, 2009
To The Carter/Johns Family: Jackie continue to be strong in the Lord Jesus and in the Power of His Might.
CMB B
June 18, 2009
To the Johns Family,
I'm so sorry for the lost of your love one.I did not know him but he's with god and his present will always be around.Again you have my deepest sympathy.
B. Marshall
June 18, 2009
To The Johns Family.
Hold on to God's unchanging hand. He is the only one that can and will get you through this. Hold on to all your happy memories and moments you've shared with your Loved One. He will never leave you.
The Marshall Family.
Deborah White
June 18, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Crystal Reed
June 18, 2009
Thank you for protecting everyone....your work is rewarded in Heaven!
Erica Madison
June 18, 2009
Kia,
My condolences to you and the boys, no words can change the way you feel right now, but take comfort in knowing that you all now have a guardian angel watching over you. I am here if you all ever need anything, day or night just give me a call.
ELAINE MCCANN
June 18, 2009
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING HE IS ANOTHER ANGEL.JUST LOOK UP AND SEE HE IS SMILING DOWN ON YOU ALL. STAY STRONG.ROBERT AND ELAINE AND STAFF AT ELAINE'S FLOWERS @ GIFTS BRANDYWINE MD
Clarissa Jackson
June 18, 2009
To the family
May God hold you close and to give you the strength that is needed. I am sure that Officer Johns is looking at each and everyone of you and saying, It will be alright, It will be alright. My prayers goes out to the family and May God Bless you all.
Bev Washington
June 18, 2009
My,My, what a great Man! I do not know the Johns family personally, but for sure I do know that Stephen T. Johns is a Hero! I am so sorry for your great loss, and remember that God makes no mistakes! I will keep the Johns family in my prayers forever.
June 18, 2009
To the Johns Family,
I am truly saddened by the loss of your loved one and I am praying for your strength. May GOD be with you.
L Robinson
June 18, 2009
May God comfort you and keep you in his loving arms. God Bless You
Hope
June 18, 2009
He died as he lived. A hero.
My prayers are with your family.
Ed Weathersby
June 18, 2009
To all of the Johns and Carter family and especially to Jackie, my former co-worker and friend, I extend heartfelt sympathies on behalf of me and my wife. I was utterly shocked to hear the story related to Stephen's death and know the pain that you Jackie and all of the family must be experiencing right now. But I also know you Jackie to be a woman of God and that with him holding your hand you will get through the tough part of this.
Blessings to you and all of the family.
Avis Williams
June 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Concerned Citizen
June 18, 2009
To The Johns Family,
I didn't know Officer Johns but as a community member of the District, I extend my sincere condolences. Please know that God will be there to wipe away your tears and comfort you.
Nicole McCain-Hines
June 18, 2009
To the Johns Family; I am saddened to hear of the loss of your love one. I am a correctional officer and I take great pride in what I do. This is a time of celebration for a great man who lived his life for his family and his friends. I will keep your family in prayer, in time you heart will be comforted because the bible states blessed are they that mourn for you will be comforted.
Andrea Duncan
June 18, 2009
To the Johns Family,
I do not know Big John but felt compelled to sign the guestbook. He was a hero last week and I pray that God will hold each of you in his loving arms during this time of bereavement.
S Nicholas
June 18, 2009
My prayers go out to the Johns famiky may god comfort you doing these hard times.
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