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The obituary notice of Neville JOHNSON

Coventry | Published in: Coventry Telegraph.

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NevilleJOHNSON(78)

Passed away peacefully in Coventry on 12 February 2026. He will be greatly missed by his wife Justine, children Gerald and Fiona, and grandchildren Gavin and Keira.

An inspirational teacher, he will be remembered by many staff and ex-pupils in Coventry and beyond. He taught maths at Bablake, Bishop Ullathorne and Alderman Callow schools, taking on the roles of Head of Department and then Deputy Head as his career progressed. During the 1990s he became the city's maths advisor, in the days when local authorities were responsible for raising school standards. He was instrumental in setting up the successful National Numeracy Project in Coventry, subsequently taking on a government role as a Regional Director for the Numeracy Strategy launched in schools nationally in 1999. Always passionate about his subject, he aimed to reduce the number of people who declared they hated maths in school.

When not working he always liked to be active: running in his younger days (he completed the historic Marathon to Athens race in 1989) and long country trails later on. In retirement swimming five mornings a week was added. And few people knew he was an excellent folk dancer - his back flips in the Northumbrian Rapper Sword Dance were impressive.

A true Geordie in spirit, plainspoken and never wanting a fuss, he was adamant that he did not want a funeral. Most of his ashes will be scattered in his beloved North-east.

If desired, donations in his memory may be made to dragonflycancertrust.org (support for young people with terminal cancer, originally a local Newcastle charity, now national) or guysgift.co.uk (support for bereaved children in Coventry and Warwicks.)
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Published: 04/03/2026
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I was a sixth form pupil at Bishop Ullathorne when Neville came to the school and with Michael Cole ‘Colesy’ moving on to Caludon Castle he took over the running of our incredibly successful cross country team. He did so with great commitment and compassion. I remember vividly him visiting me at home to check on my recovery from an appendix removal. He was the embodiment of the value of great teachers to our society. My condolences to his family and friends.
Eamonn Kelly
06/03/2026
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Candle fn_3
Eamonn Kelly
06/03/2026
Donation left by Eamonn Kelly
06/03/2026
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Thanks for everything and inspiring my running career.
Donation left by Martin Slevin
06/03/2026
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A caring and supportive teacher who took over the cross country team at Ullathorne in 1974/5 and was inspirational for many of us runners. Taking the team to races all over the country. RIP Nev
Martin Slevin
06/03/2026
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We miss our swim team mate. Rest in peace buddy. Lane 5 will forever be Neville's lane. Pat x
Patricia Wilson
06/03/2026
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Candle fn_1
Patricia Wilson
06/03/2026
I will miss my swimming buddy of the last 17 years. Always knew how many lengths i had swam and how many I still needed to do!
Will miss his wit and sense of humour and our talks on football and rugby.
Condolences to Justine and the rest of the family.
Rest in peace Nev
Jude (and Bri)
Donation left by Judith Peters
06/03/2026
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Sincere condolences, to Justine & all the family.
Neville, a great guy, who will be missed by
family, friends & colleagues.
Such a wonderful Brother

Love
Mavis x


Donation left by Mavis Bradshaw
06/03/2026
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A loving elder brother, who “held my hand” through early childhood.
You will be missed.

Mavis, Don, & family x
Mavis Bradshaw
06/03/2026
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