Katherine Johnson’s death Monday at the age of 101 brought an outpouring of tributes.
Born Katherine Coleman on Aug. 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Johnson became a legendary mathematician at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton. Her work helped pave the U.S.’s way into space, during an era when she faced discrimination.
“NASA is deeply saddened by the loss of a leader from our pioneering days, and we send our deepest condolences to the family of Katherine Johnson,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement. “Ms. Johnson helped our nation enlarge the frontiers of space even as she made huge strides that also opened doors for women and people of color in the universal human quest to explore space.”
Johnson worked at NASA Langley for 33 years, starting when the facility’s computer unit where she worked was still segregated. Director Clayton Turner said in an email Monday said her service “will not be forgotten.”
“Her strength of character, bravery and mastery of mathematics helped America push beyond inequality to accomplish what some thought impossible,” Turner said. “Her life will inspire Americans for generations to come.”
Her work went mostly unrecognized until later in life. President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
Margot Lee Shetterly’s book “Hidden Figures” about Johnson and her colleagues and the subsequent film adaptation also helped raise her profile. Shetterly called it her “life’s honor” to tell the story of Johnson’s contributions to the nation and Hampton Roads in a tweet Monday.
“You changed the narrative …” Shetterly wrote. “Godspeed, Katherine Johnson.”
The news of Johnson’s passing prompted reactions and statements from many elected leaders.
Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck said he was fortunate to have met Johnson on several occasions.
When Vice President Mike Pence visited NASA Langley on Wednesday, he brought up Johnson’s accomplishments.
“It’s a tremendous loss for the city and the nation. She was indeed a trailblazer, in so many respects,” Tuck said.
Last February, NASA renamed its Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont, West Virginia, in her honor.
“We have always been, and will continue to be, inspired by the examples of leadership, tenacity, hard work, and love of science and math that Katherine exemplified,” the IV&V program tweeted Monday.
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, tweeted a photo of him with Johnson after the news broke.
“Katherine Johnson was a stellar mathematician and a proud West Virginian, and because of her accomplishments, more young women have — and will — blaze their own trails in science, tech, engineering & math fields,” Manchin said.
Members of Virginia’s congressional delegation sent messages of condolences as well.
Sen. Tim Kaine, in a statement, said that he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Katherine Johnson helped realize one of humankind’s oldest dreams — to reach the stars,” Kaine said. “Hidden no longer, she will be remembered for her contributions to math and science and forever stand as a role model for those whose talents are not fully recognized because of prejudice.”
Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, D-Newport News, said that, although he knew Johnson and family for many years, he hadn’t really appreciated her and her colleagues’ contributions until “Hidden Figures” was published.
“Mrs. Johnson was a true American hero, and we were so proud to have her call Hampton Roads home. I want to send my deepest condolences to her family and friends, and to everyone who was inspired by her remarkable life and work,” Scott said in a written statement.
Local universities also tweeted out remembrances.
Johnson was the keynote speaker at Hampton University’s 2017 commencement. In 2018, the College of William & Mary gave her an honorary degree recognizing her accomplishments.
House of Delegates Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, on Twitter called Johnson a “Virginia icon and American hero.”
“Her 101 vibrant years of life truly changed our Commonwealth and our country for the better,” Filler-Corn said.
