Caring bus driver started group opposing violence

CYNTHIA JOHNSON | 1967-2009

Cynthia Johnson had a giant smile that matched the size of her heart.

"She was a very caring person," said Nancy Bruce, manager of Alpha School Bus in Crestwood, where Ms. Johnson worked.

Ms. Johnson, 42, of Robbins, worked as a school bus driver for Alpha for 20 years. She died Oct. 28 after a brief illness.

Ms. Johnson started Drivers, Attendants, Parents, Students and Schools Against Violence after she got tired of the violence that students experienced on bus routes in the south suburbs. The organization held its second "Stop the Violence Walk" in September and drew about 1,000 people.

This school year, Johnson drove a route for Community High School District 218.

"She loved the students," Bruce said.

Ms. Johnson was very involved at the bus company, where some of her family members and her fiance, Kirk Curtis, also work, Bruce said.

"Everybody knew Cynthia," she said. "This is going to be a huge loss for us."

"She was an exceptional person," said Bob McParland, a spokesman for District 218 who worked with Ms. Johnson on the Stop the Violence walks. "She was very devoted to this cause. She was determined to get people to act, to think and make change. I'm a better person for having known her."

Funeral arrangements are being made through Holt Funeral Home in Harvey.

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