Katherine Johnson, one of NASA Langley's 'Hidden Figures,' dies at 101

[Dennis Donovan]

Source: WAVY-TV

by: WAVY Web Staff

Posted: Feb 24, 2020 / 09:40 AM EST / Updated: Feb 24, 2020 / 09:40 AM EST

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) -- Katherine Johnson, a Hampton Roads and American icon featured in the movie "Hidden Figures," has died at age 101, NASA announced Monday.

"Our @NASA family is sad to learn the news that Katherine Johnson passed away this morning at 101 years old," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted Monday morning. "She was an American hero and her pioneering legacy will never be forgotten."

CELEBRATING WOMEN: KATHERINE JOHNSON BREAKS BARRIERS
The groundbreaking African-American mathematician worked on complex space missions as a "human computer" for NASA Langley in Hampton, including calculating the trajectories for Alan Shepard's history-making journey in space, and giving the "go-ahead" for John Glenn's mission into orbit.

The West Virginia native was often overlooked until the 2016 movie "Hidden Figures," which also highlighted the work and challenges Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson and Dr. Christine Darden faced while working at Langley.

Read more: https://www.wavy.com/news/national/katherine-johnson-one-of-nasa-langleys-hidden-figures-dies-at-101/

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Link to tweet

Jim Bridenstine ✔@JimBridenstine

Our @NASA family is sad to learn the news that Katherine Johnson passed away this morning at 101 years old. She was an American hero and her pioneering legacy will never be forgotten. https://www.nasa.gov/content/katherine-johnson-biography ...



9:19 AM - Feb 24, 2020

Cross gently, Ms Johnson.

[blm]

1. An incredible life.

She will live forever in history.

[Docreed2003]

2. An incredible woman

[wcmagumba]

3. Amazing...

and drumph just awarded the same Medal of Freedom (as she received according to the linked article) to limbaugh....ughh....

[irisblue]

4. 🕯️Rest In Power

[JudyM]

5. A wonderful, iconic hero.

Her story helped fuel the surge of effort/interest in STEM education for girls.

RIP

[bluestarone]

6. What a GREAT woman!! and WOW what a great

Movie!!!! Hidden Figures!!!

[AllyCat]

7. Oh no! So sad. What an incredible woman.

My kids even in grade school LOVED the movie and still ask about these women who made history!

[Demovictory9]

8. ..

[turbinetree]

9. Hidden Figures "Give or Take" Clip [HD] 20th Century FOX

Its all about Math and Sciences............and theories...............and loving what you do.......................

[Talitha]

10. ...

[George II]

11. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama, before it was devalued by trump.

[Mendocino]

12. RIP

[MFGsunny]

13. One of my all-time heroes! Much obliged for your intelligent, fearless and wise leadership.

Rest in Peace

Rest in Power

[ancianita]

14. A great loss.

[littlemissmartypants]

15. ...

[BobTheSubgenius]

16. RIP to an amazing woman among other amazing woman.

Their story is both an inspiration and an embarrassment. I hope all of them got to live to see their achievements recognized.

[IcyPeas]

17. glad they made the movie so she would be honored

by the world before she passed.

RIP smart lady.

[llmart]

18. A truly remarkable woman.

I grew up in the era of the historical space race and not once did we see or read anything about the women behind the successes. Without the movie no one would have ever known about this amazing woman and the other women who were instrumental in making the all male astronauts look heroic. Just imagine how little girls like me could have viewed our lives and futures if we would have been exposed to women's achievements in math and science.

I am so glad she lived a good, long life.

[Blue_Tires]

19. r.i.p.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

20. RIP

[tavernier]

21. Awesome woman.

Wish my brain worked a quarter as well!

[Duppers]

22. Such an amazing woman! I actually met her 2yrs ago...

When hubby and I attended this ceremony at NASA Langley - we talked with her family afterwards.

She was a grand, grand lady.