Kathryn Mae Johnson was born on June 5, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Jeraldine Willis and Sherman Pearson. She was educated in the Kansas City School District and attended Lincoln High School.

A woman of extraordinary determination and vision, Kathryn dedicated her life to caring for others and breaking barriers. In the early 1970s, she enrolled in nursing school, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification before continuing her education to become a Registered Nurse (RN), graduating at the top of her class. Her nursing career led her to serve in several of Kansas City’s leading medical institutions, including St. Luke’s Hospital and Baptist Medical Center.

In the early 1980s, Kathryn achieved a historic milestone when she became the first African American woman hired as a Registered Nurse at the Ford Motor Company Claycomo Assembly Plant. During her tenure, she served on numerous committees, including Ergonomic Development, where she played an instrumental role in the development of new safety gloves designed to protect Ford employees.

Kathryn’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to her community led to her greatest professional accomplishment in 1990 when she founded Kare-More Nursing and Home Health Services, Inc. Through her own investment, perseverance, and determination, she became the first African American woman to serve as the sole proprietor of a home health agency in Kansas City. Under her leadership, Kare-More provided compassionate care to hundreds of elderly and disabled clients while creating employment opportunities for hundreds of Kansas City residents for more than two decades.

Kathryn remained a proud resident of Kansas City until her untimely passing on May 24, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeraldine Willis and Sherman Pearson; her grandson, Devin; and her great-great-grandson, Mari. As an only child, she cherished the family she built and nurtured throughout her life.

Kathryn leaves to cherish her memory three daughters: Laura C. Flemons, Maureen D. Wesson (Naleethan), and Carla A. Johnson, all of Kansas City. She also leaves eight beloved grandchildren: Shane, Natasha (Jon), Steven, Carl Ronnell, Calvin, Jr., Nicole (Vantoine), Carl Amos, and Tevin, all of Kansas City; along with a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness, leadership, and service.

Kathryn Mae Johnson’s legacy is one of compassion, courage, innovation, and perseverance. Through her pioneering achievements in nursing, workplace safety, and home healthcare, she opened doors for others and made a lasting impact on the Kansas City community. Her memory will continue to inspire generations to come.