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Katherine (Coleman) Johnson 1918 - 2020

Creola Katherine (Coleman) Johnson of Newport News, Virginia United States was born on August 26, 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County, WV, and died at age 101 years old on February 24, 2020 in Newport News, VA. Creola Johnson was buried at Hampton Memorial Gardens 155 Butler Farm Rd, in Hampton.

Creola Katherine (Coleman) Johnson

Katherine Goble

Newport News, Virginia United States

August 26, 1918

White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, 24986, United States

February 24, 2020

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Female

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Katherine (Coleman) Johnson Creola Johnson (1918 - 2020)

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Creola Katherine (Coleman) Johnson's History: 1918 - 2020

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Introduction

Creola Katherine Coleman was born on August 26, 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia to parents Joylette R Lowe and Joshua McKinley Coleman. From an early age, she showed exceptional mathematical abilities. She graduated summa cum laude with degrees in Mathematics and French from West Virginia University in 1937. Katherine started her career as a teacher and later joined NASA's predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), in 1953. Her early work involved performing complex mathematical calculations for aeronautical research. Johnson's precise calculations were critical to the success of several spaceflights, including Alan Shepard's first human spaceflight in 1961 and John Glenn's orbital mission in 1962. Her work involved trajectory analysis, orbital calculations, and ensuring the accuracy of space missions. Johnson's contributions extended to the Mercury and Apollo programs, where her mathematical expertise played a crucial role in planning and executing space missions. Her calculations were fundamental to the success of the moon landing in 1969. Johnson continued to work for NASA during the Space Shuttle era, contributing her mathematical skills to various shuttle flights. In 2015, Katherine Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to the field of space exploration. In recognition of her achievements, Katherine Johnson received honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Science and Technology from Old Dominion University. NASA also honored her by naming a building at the Langley Research Center after her. She passed away on February 24, 2020 at the age of 101, leaving behind a lasting impact on space exploration and equality in STEM fields.
08/26

1918

Birthday

August 26, 1918

Birthdate

White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County, West Virginia 24986, United States

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

Creola Katherine Coleman was born to parents Joshua McKinley Coleman and Joylette R Lowe. She had siblings Horace L Coleman (1913-1950), Margaret Roberta Coleman (1914-2002), and Charles H Coleman (1918-). Her mother Joylette was born in June of 1887 in Caswell County, North Carolina and lived in Danville City, Virginia, USA. She married Joshua on September 29, 1909 in Danville and the couple later moved to White Sulphur, Greenbrier, West Virginia, USA. They had four children together. Joylette passed away on October 8, 1971 in West Virginia, United States of America. Her father Joshua was born on December 18, 1881 in White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, United States of America. He married Joylette in 1909 and worked as a farmer. He passed away in April of 1973 in White Sulphur Springs, WV.
Nationality & Locations

Katherine Johnson was born in the small town of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia on August 26, 1918. She later moved to Morgantown, West Virginia and attended West Virginia University, where she graduated with degrees in Mathematics and French in 1937. Katherine spent the majority of her career at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Hampton was a crucial location for NASA's early space programs, and Johnson's contributions were instrumental in the success of these missions. After retiring from NASA in 1986, Katherine Johnson lived her retirement years in the Hampton Roads area, enjoying a quieter life while remaining active in her community.
Early Life & Education

Katherine Johnson showed an early aptitude for mathematics. Growing up in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, she attended a segregated school where her teachers recognized her talents. In 1937, Katherine graduated summa cum laude with degrees in Mathematics and French from West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, West Virginia. She was one of the first African American students to attend the university. After completing her undergraduate studies, Johnson began her career as a teacher. However, her interest in mathematics led her to pursue further education. She took graduate-level courses at West Virginia University. Despite the racial and gender barriers she faced, Katherine Johnson received recognition for her contributions. In 2018, she received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science and Technology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
Military Service

Katherine Johnson's second husband, James A. Johnson, was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army.
Professional Career

Katherine Johnson was a pioneering mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. She joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), NASA's predecessor, in 1953 and continued her work when NACA became NASA in 1958. Here are key aspects of Katherine Johnson's NASA career: Katherine was known for her precise calculations, particularly in the areas of trajectory analysis for space missions. Her work was crucial for the success of early spaceflights, including Alan Shepard's first human spaceflight in 1961 and John Glenn's historic orbit around Earth in 1962. Johnson's calculations were integral to the Mercury and Apollo programs. Her work involved complex orbital mechanics, trajectory analysis, and re-entry calculations. Her expertise helped ensure the accuracy and safety of space missions. Johnson's career extended into the Space Shuttle era, where she continued to contribute to NASA's missions. Her calculations played a role in the planning and execution of various shuttle flights. Despite the challenges she faced as an African American woman working in a segregated environment, Katherine Johnson's talent and dedication earned her respect. In 2015, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a year later, NASA named a building at the Langley Research Center in her honor. Katherine Johnson retired from NASA in 1986 after a distinguished career. Following her retirement, she remained active in her community and continued to encourage students, particularly girls and minorities, to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her story gained widespread recognition with the publication of the book "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly, which was later adapted into a film. The book and film highlighted the contributions of Johnson and other African American women mathematicians at NASA. Katherine Johnson's groundbreaking career paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Personal Life & Family

Katherine married James Francis Goble (1913–1956) on June 7, 1939 in Covington, Virginia. They had three daughters together: Constance, Joylette, and Katherine. The couple remained married until James Goble's death in 1956. After his passing, Katherine Johnson married Lieutenant Colonel James Arthur Johnson (1925–2019) on August 22, 1959 in Hampton, Virginia, USA. They were married until James's death in 2019.
02/24

2020

Death

February 24, 2020

Death date

Unknown
Cause of death

Newport News, Virginia United States
Death location

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Gravesite & Burial

mm/dd/yyyy
Funeral date
Hampton Memorial Gardens 155 Butler Farm Rd, in Hampton, Virginia 23666, United States
Burial location
Obituary

Mathematician and Physicist. She was the first African-American woman to attend graduate school at West Virginia University. In 1953, she obtained a job with National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) as a mathematician. Initially, she worked with other women and she described them as a virtual "computers who wore skirts." Mostly, they read the data from aircraft flight data recorders and then one day, she and a colleague were temporarily assigned to help the all-male flight research team. She asked to be included in editorial meetings where women had not been invited before stating she had done the work and that she should be included. In 1958, she began working as an aerospace technologist in the Spacecraft Control Branch. Her calculations of orbital mechanics were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S. spaceflights. During her career, she mastered complex manual calculations and helped pioneer the use of computers to perform the tasks. The space agency noted her "historical role as one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist." In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom and in 2019, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. She co-authored 26 scientific papers and her social influence as a pioneer in space science and computing is shown by the honors she received and her status as a role model for a life in science. Before eventually retiring from NASA, she was listed among African Americans in science and technology. On May 5, 2016, a new 40,000 square-foot building was named "Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility" and formally dedicated at the agency's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Johnson attended the opening which also marked the 55th anniversary of astronaut Alan Shepard's historic rocket launch and splashdown, a success she helped achieve. During the event, she also received a Silver Snoopy award, often called the astronaut's award; NASA stated it is given to those "who have made outstanding contributions to flight safety and mission success." She was named in the list of "100 Women" in 2016, BBC's list of 100 influential women worldwide. NASA stated, "Her calculations proved as critical to the success of the Apollo moon landing program and the start of the Space Shuttle program, as they did to those first steps on the country's journey into space." A prototype Lego for Women of NASA was made and included Johnson, who declined to have her likeness printed for the final product. A biographical movie titled "Hidden Figures," about her work with NASA alongside fellow mathematicians Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, was released in 2016. It was a critical-commercial success and earned three Academy Award (Oscar) nominations. On May 12, 2018, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the College of William and Mary and in August 2018, West Virginia State University established a STEM scholarship in honor of Johnson and erected a life-size statue of her on campus. In 2018, Mattel announced a Barbie doll in the likeness of Johnson, with a NASA identity badge. In 2019, Johnson was announced as one of the members of the inaugural class of Government Executives' "Government Hall of Fame." Two NASA facilities have been named in honor of Johnson. On September 22, 2017, NASA opened the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility in Hampton, Virginia, and NASA renamed the Independent Verification and Validation Facility, in Fairmont, West Virginia, to the Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility on February 22, 2019.

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Kathy Pinna

31.2k+ favorites

01/12/2017

Katherine Johnson

A photo of Katherine Johnson who worked for NASA and was responsible for computing the trajectories, launch windows, and emergency back-up return paths for many flights. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Creola Coleman's Family Tree & Friends

Creola Coleman's Family Tree

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Katherine (Coleman) Johnson Aug 26, 1918 - Feb 24, 2020

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Other Creola Coleman Biographies

Coleman, Creola (Jan 17, 1955 - Oct 15, 2007) Coleman, Creola (Nov 9, 1912 - Apr 1978)

Coleman, Creola (Oct 7, 1921 - Jan 2, 2001) Coleman, Creola (Apr 9, 1891 - Jan 15, 1974)

Other Coleman Family Biographies

Coleman, Mary (Born Aug 31, 1848) Coleman, Walter (Born 1857) Coleman, John (Born 1900) Coleman, Nellie (1866 - 1930) Coleman, Rachael (Born 1836) Coleman, Roger Coleman, Erma Coleman, James (Born Dec 2, 1859) Coleman, Frank Coleman, Elwin (Sep 21, 1897 - Dec 1982)

Coleman, Henry (May 6, 1891 - May 1966) Coleman, Ruth (Nov 29, 1898 - Dec 1969) Coleman, Grace (Jun 24, 1893 - May 1968) Coleman, Cecilia (Apr 19, 1908 - Apr 1984) Coleman, Harry (Oct 31, 1913 - Apr 1987) Coleman, Winfield (Mar 22, 1904 - Jul 1971) Coleman, John (Mar 17, 1902 - Dec 1970) Coleman, Harold (Apr 22, 1907 - Aug 10, 1994) Coleman, Doris (Dec 6, 1914 - Oct 1976) Coleman, Lucile (Oct 14, 1910 - Apr 1985)

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Katherine (Coleman) Johnson 1918 - 2020

Creola Katherine (Coleman) Johnson's History: 1918 - 2020

Introduction

Birthday

Ethnicity & Family History

Nationality & Locations

Early Life & Education

Military Service

Professional Career

Personal Life & Family

Death

Gravesite & Burial

Obituary

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Creola Coleman's Family Tree & Friends

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