A woman who inspired thousands during a long career as a teacher at schools in Wirral and Liverpool has died at the age of 66.

Christine Johnson, who lived in Oxton, was an English and drama specialist, but easily turned her hand to numerous other subjects, during a lifetime in the classroom.

Born in Liverpool in 1950, the daughter of a painter and decorator, Christine was educated at Notre Dame Girls’ Grammar School, in Mount Pleasant.

As a teenager she excelled in the written word, took part in school drama productions and distinguished herself in the sport of fencing, where she gained bronze and silver medals for excellence.

After leaving school she became one of the first cohort of students to enrol at the Notre Dame Teacher Training College, which was established as the order of nuns re-located the noted school to Woolton.

She became a leading light in the social life of the college and the Liverpool University Catholic Chaplaincy.

During teacher training Christine distinguished herself by directing of a number of notable stage productions.

It was while at college that she met her husband-to-be, journalist Chris Johnson.

Christine began work as a teacher in 1971 at St Columba’s RC Secondary School, Huyton, and followed that with a move to Holy Spirit Primary School, Runcorn, before taking a post at St Michael’s RC High School, Mill Road, Liverpool.

Both these secondary schools were regarded as very challenging places to work, in a period when unemployment was often the norm for inner-city school leavers.

Christine relished the challenge, believed that every child deserved the best possible chance, and always devoted herself to encouraging youngsters to aim for the stars when seeking their goals in life.

When her own family came along, in the late 70s and early 80s, Christine took a break from working, devoting herself in the role of mother to her son Andrew and daughter Angela.

After nine years out of the profession, she returned to teaching in the 1990s, working on contract or as a supply teacher, notably at Ridgeway High School, Rock Ferry High School, and Oldershaw School in Wallasey. She retired from teaching, after a spell on the staff at Highfield School, Oxton, when it closed in 2007.

Her husband Chris Johnson, manager of the local TV Station Made in Liverpool, paid tribute to his wife of 42 years.

Chris, 64, said: “I can honestly say that Christine was not only wonderful wife and mother, but also an exceptional teacher.

“I’ve lost count of the number of times that ex-pupils have come up to her in the street to say ‘Hello miss!’ with a beaming grin on their faces, recalling how much they enjoyed her lessons.

“She possessed an infectious enthusiasm for language, including plays and poetry, that she always passed on to her pupils.

“One incident, that sums it up, happened when I met her outside a cinema after a party from Oldershaw had attended a screening of a Shakespearean play.

“As I stood outside, waiting for her to ensure the pupils were all accounted for, one 15-year-old spoke to me.

“Nodding towards Christine, the lad asked: ‘Is that your wife?” When I confirmed his suspicion, he uttered the immortal words ‘Boss teacher her!’

“Those three words, illustrate what she meant to the young people whose lives she touched.

"She not only inspired them with her teaching, but earned their respect and devotion.

“I share their feelings. Her memory will be cherished in the hearts of her family and many thousands that she taught.

“It was a privilege to have shared her wonderful life. She was much loved and will be very sorely missed.“

Christine died after a long battle with cancer, and after only a brief spell in hospital at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, on Thursday, February 9, surrounded by her close family.

A requiem mass for Christine will be offered at the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Beresford Road, Oxton, on Friday, February 24, at 10am, followed by interment at Frankby Cemetery.

Past pupils and colleagues are also welcome to attend the church service.

The family have launched a Just Giving page for donations in tribute to Christine.

It has already exceeded its £250 target and the amount raised currently stands at £930.

The money will go to the British Red Cross Society, a charity Christine supported.

You can contribute by clicking here.