Stephen A. Johnson

1958 - 2024

Stephen A. Johnson

Nov 30, 1958 - Aug 22, 2024

Our beloved husband, father, granddad, and friend, Stephen Johnson, went to be with his Heavenly Father on August 22, 2024.

Stephen was born on November 30, 1958 to Earl Johnson Jr. and Nancy Taylor in Roanoke, VA.

Stephen attended the University of Virginia ('81) where he met his wife, Elizabeth Scott Geis. In 1984 Stephen obtained his Juris Doctorate at the University of Virginia School of Law. Stephen had a brilliant mind and a passion for the nuances of the English language, which his children were reminded of every time he reviewed their school essays.

Stephen and Elizabeth moved to Winston-Salem in 1984 where Stephen began his career as a lawyer at Petree Stockton. Stephen went on to serve as in-house counsel at Krispy Kreme and finished out his legal career at Wall Esleeck Babcock. He is fondly remembered as an enthusiastic Sunday school teacher at Redeemer Presbyterian and Salem Presbyterian not only for his profound knowledge of the Bible, but also for the doughnuts he brought every Sunday. Stephen unabashedly spoke about Jesus everywhere he went; his greatest desire was to share the love of the Lord with others so that they might know Him too.

Stephen proudly called himself an "escaped lawyer" and left the practice of law after 26 years to start his own rare and antique book business, Allington Antiquarian Books. Stephen could spend hours researching and studying the history of a single book and had a blast turning his hobby into his work. Stephen also helped Elizabeth run her family's business, Salem Kitchen, where he was willing to do any task at the shop to support his wife that he adored.

Stephen's greatest pride and biggest blessing (which he never failed to mention) was his family. "How blessed am I to not only love my kids but to really like them too!" he would always say. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Elizabeth, their four children, Adam Johnson, Margaret (Stephen) Haskell, Ryan (Hannah) Johnson, and Laura Johnson, and their seven beautiful grandchildren, Darcy, Imogen, Felix, Josephine, Gideon, Malachi and Haven. He is also survived by his brother Christopher Johnson and sister Catherine Johnson Murray. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Johnson, and his brother, Keith Johnson.

A funeral service for Stephen will be held on Saturday, August 31st at 10 a.m. at Hope Presbyterian Church where a reception will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deacons' Mercy fund at Hope Presbyterian Church, in memory of Stephen.

We will miss Stephen's loving spirit, quick wit, and friendly face, but we rejoice that he is at home with his Savior.

Family and Friends may sign and view the guest book at www.SalemFH.com