Katherine Johnson

African-american mathematician.

Born August 26th, 1918 in White Sulphur Springs.

Died February 24th, 2020 at 101 years old in Newport News. [ref]

Occupations
aerospace engineer, computer scientist, mathematician, physicist, teacher
Wikipedia

Katherine Johnson, a pioneering mathematician whose work helped make spaceflight possible, died on February 24, 2020 at 101 years of age. A native of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Katherine became known for her exceptional skill in analytical geometry, influencing vital calculations that enabled flight paths for some of the most well-known space missions, including Apollo 11. Katherine also made historical contributions to medicine, computer graphics, and educational curriculum. She was an author, a lecturer, and fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the American Astronautical Society. Katherine was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, making her one of the few African-American women to receive the honor. Her life has been celebrated in books, movies, and works of media. Her legacy will live on as the epitome of grit and grace, inspiring scientists throughout the ages.

Death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life’s change agent, it clears out the old to make way for the new. Steve Jobs