Katherine Collette Johnson Glenn was born on March 18, 1961, in Courtland, Southampton County, Virginia. She began her education at Hayden Elementary School and later attended Courtland Elementary School following integration. She graduated from Southampton High School in 1980, demonstrating early determination and discipline.
After high school, Katherine attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. In 1982, she moved to Maryland, where she earned her Medical Laboratory Technician certification while working in sales and marketing, showcasing her resilience and dedication.
Family and Roots:
Katherine is the daughter of Adeline Blow and the granddaughter of Luther Blow and Minnie Faulcon. She was blessed to have two amazingly loving and kind adoptive parents, Linwood and Annie Lee Johnson. Her beautiful story cannot be told without honoring and acknowledging both mothers. Each mother contributed to the woman that she is today. She comes from a large and loving family, including siblings Minnie Stiff, Sylester Babb, Paris Artis, Joe Lewis Faulcon, Hebert Artis, Atlena West, James Cleveland Whitehead, Tony Whitehead, Evelyn Darlene Clark, and Valerie Faulcon.
She is the devoted mother of Nickolaus Dunn and a proud grandmother of two grandchildren, Corliese and Nolan. She treasures her close bond with her son and enjoys spending time with her daughter-in-law, Courtney, and other family in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Katherine joined the chorus at Southampton High School in Courtland, VA. She appeared in Broadway shows under the direction of Mrs. Violet Harrison. A notable event is that Mrs. Harrison led these talented singers and performers on a high school trip to Canada. It was an incredible group of talented people. She also visited Mexico with a group of Army friends while stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
A Calling to Serve:
In 1986, Katherine joined the United States Army as a Private First Class. She completed training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and advanced medical training in San Antonio, Texas. She served at Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg. She deployed during the Gulf War and provided medical laboratory support at Dwight Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia, with the 350th MASH Unit. She rose to the rank of E-5 and continued her service as a reservist.
Professional Excellence:
Katherine continued her education by completing a Medical Technologist Program and earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She later obtained a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University and a Master’s Degree in Education (Special Education) from Cambridge College.
She is also certified in Mental Health First Aid, Dementia Care Specialist, and Geriatric Care. In addition, she obtained a Lay Biblical Counseling Certification from Biblical Counseling Center in Winfield, Illinois.
Her career reflects her deep compassion, working with individuals with developmental disabilities, children, and patients in need. She also made the selfless decision to care for her ailing father-in-law for over four years.
Faith and Personal Life:
Katherine is a woman of strong faith who sang in the choir and served as Sunday School Secretary. She enjoys writing poetry, reading, singing, and listening to jazz, gospel, and R&B. She finds peace in nature, reflection, and time with her family.
Katherine draws strength from her favorite scripture:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” — Isaiah 41:10
Poem: The Heart That Serves
There walks a woman, calm and strong,
Whose life has been a sacred song,
Not sung for praise, nor loud acclaim,
But lived in love, in God’s great name.
Through halls of care and fields of need,
She answered every silent plea,
With gentle hands and patient grace,
Bringing light to every place.
A soldier once, in duty’s call,
She stood with courage through it all,
In times of war, in times of strain,
She carried hope through others’ pain.
A healer’s heart, a teacher’s mind,
A servant spirit, deeply kind,
She gave her strength, her time, her care,
And always found more love to share.
When family called, she did not wait,
She chose compassion over fate,
And in that choice, so pure and true,
She showed what selfless love can do.
Her voice in song, her pen in hand,
Her faith a light both strong and grand,
A quiet strength, a steady flame,
A life of purpose, not for fame.
So may her days be filled with peace,
With joy that never fades or cease,
For hearts like hers, so rare, so true,
Are gifts this world is blessed to know and view.
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I Celebrate and Salute you my baby Sister Kathy. I am proud of you and your accomplishments. Your acts of kindness and love will not be forgotten God sees everything and he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. I love you Sis and love never fails.