Kathy Hester Johnson, 77, of High Point, passed away April 5th, 2021, with her family by her bedside. Born October 16, 1943, in Durham, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Roger and Blannie Hester.
After high school, Kathy attended Appalachian State University where she met her husband and earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career as a fourth grade teacher in Wingate, North Carolina. After a year, they moved to High Point where she taught at Johnson Street and Kirkman Park schools, also fourth grade. While taking leaves of absence to raise her children, she attended night classes at UNC-G to complete her Master’s degree in library science. After working for a time in the Learning Resources Center at the downtown Greensboro campus of GTCC, she returned to Kirkman Park where she finished out her career as the school’s media specialist.
She enjoyed writing, especially for children, and received several regional awards for her works in children’s literature. She was gifted in both books and poetry. After retirement, for several years she wrote a community column for the Greensboro News & Record as well as columns for a Randolph County newspaper. Readers still contact her for copies of various columns they remember her writing.
Kathy was a member of Green Street Baptist Church and the Joint Heirs connection class. She was a very caring person always putting others before herself. She was always willing to help with class projects whenever she could. The family would like to thank the class for their support and help in many ways during this very difficult time.
The family would also like to thank her caregivers—Sharon Williams, Fran Wagner, and Ginger Carrick-- as well as their coordinator, Angie Burney, for their loving dedication and service during the last five years.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Roger and Ted Hester. She is survived by Murrell, her husband of 54 years, a daughter, Amy Biddle (Alan) of High Point, a son, Tim Johnson (Jennifer) of Morganton, a brother, Larry Hester of Myrtle Beach, SC, and three grandchildren, Cole and Emma Johnson of Morganton, and Aubrey Biddle of High Point. She is also survived by cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of her life officiated by Pastor Mark Loy will be held at Green Street Baptist Church on Friday, April 9th, at 11 am. The family requests that masks be worn. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Green Street Baptist Church, 303 N. Rotary Drive, High Point, NC 27262.
The family will be available in the courtyard after the service. Please practice social distancing.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.wrightfs.com.
Wright’s Funeral-Cremations is in charge of arrangements.