Alumni

Honoring the Life of Neil Johnson

On January 24, 2025, members of the Southfield community came together to honor and celebrate the life of an extraordinary alumnus, Neil Johnson. In a heartfelt tribute to his legacy, close classmates made a generous donation to plant a tree on campus in his memory. This living tribute serves as a lasting symbol of Neil’s profound impact on our school, ensuring that his spirit and contributions will be remembered for generations to come. Neil’s story is deeply woven into the fabric of Southfield School. His family’s connection to our beloved school dates back to its very founding in 1934. It was his grandmother, Mrs. Melvin F. Johnson, who, alongside Mrs. Butler P. Crittenden, envisioned a school that embraced modern methods of education—a vision that became Southfield. His parents carried on this legacy, remaining deeply involved in the Southfield community and earning a place in the Hall of Fame. Neil’s mother, recruited by Hazel Kytle, even taught here, further solidifying the Johnson family’s remarkable contributions to our school’s history. Neil himself was a proud alumnus of Southfield, attending in the 1960s, and later continuing his family’s legacy by enrolling his own children here. But Neil’s connection to Southfield extended far beyond his time as a student and parent. He was a steadfast supporter, a creative spirit, and an invaluable contributor to the life of this school. He created Southfield’s first admissions viewbooks, developed campaign materials, and remained an active alumni leader, serving on the original alumni board for over a decade with Beverly Dickson, Ellen Alley, Peter Flowers, and John Huffey. Neil’s passion for storytelling was unparalleled. Whether through his published books—many of them cherished children’s stories—or through his photography and travels, Neil was always uncovering and sharing the stories behind the images he captured. Stacey Hand beautifully described him as '100% creative spirit.' She shared how everything Neil did was driven by his curiosity and his ability to see the extraordinary in the everyday. One of his favorite experiences was finding an injured armadillo, photographing it, and later transforming it into a purple icon named “Felton”. This whimsical project speaks to Neil’s boundless creativity and his ability to bring joy to those around him. Neil also treasured his family’s deep ties to Southfield and honored its history through his work. He took the Hall of Fame portraits that we still cherish today, leaving behind a tangible legacy of his dedication and talent. Neil will be remembered as a devoted alumnus, a gifted storyteller, a creative spirit, and a loving member of the Southfield family. He leaves behind a legacy of creativity, kindness, and a profound love for this school and its community.