Kathryn Ann Johnson, known to most as Kathy was an International recognized Gospel Singer. Born on May 10, 1952 to Howard Phenix and Patricia Middleton but she was a special gift from God to her God Given Parents, John Johnson and Elsie Stern Johnson. Kathryn dedicated her life to her heavenly father at an early age while attending First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills with her mother Elsie. Later they moved their membership to the Community Church of God In Christ Church under the Pastorialship of Bishop William James. The church name was later change to what is now James Temple Church of God In Christ now under the Pastorialship of Joel James. As a young girl, you could hear Kathryn singing in the choir. She loved her Pastor and she loved her church and she loved attending the Latter Rain which was instituted by her Pastor William James. Kathy began playing several instruments at the age of 7. She sang publicly for the first time at the ripe young age of 12. She practiced for many years prior to her debut, saving money to buy sheet music from a local gospel store. Many Things About Tomorrow by Thomas A. Dorsey was the first song she learned to play and sing as a child. Kathy credits her mother Elsie and Bishop William James for her Faith Based approach in life. Raised in a Christian home, biblical principles were instilled at an early age. Her faith was tested when she was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1997. She became cancer free and states that the experience only increased her faith. Kathryn's education started at the Frederick Douglass Elementary School. She also attended the Courter Technical High School and graduated from Withrow High School. A strong believer in getting a quality education she attended Cincinnati Technical College now know as Cincinnati State College and last but not least studied Musical Arts at the University of Cincinnati. Kathryn was a lady of many talents. She was a vocalist, musician, director, composer, producer, actor, publisher and the owner of Tykie Music Ministry. Kathryn was a volunteer and Ministered in Port A Prince, Haiti. She was also in Project Succeed. Kathryn has sung and recorded with such artist as: Danniebelle Hall, Mattie Moss Clark, James Cleveland, Vernard Johnson, James McCray, the Fairbanks Singers, Willie Hawkins and the Mello-Aires, Charles Fold Singers and Phil Brown & God's Earth With Love. Kathy was one of the organizer of as Trinity which consist of herself , Lamar Scott and Deborah Shelton, and Psalmettes which consisted of herself and at that time Diane Franklin , Kathy has received: The Omea Award, Taft Alumni Award, COGIC Award and Project Succeed. During her lifetime she has played for and was the minister of music for New Unity Baptist Church, Greater Love COGIC in Seattle, Washington. First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills, St Mary's Church, Deliverance Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Friendship Baptist Church in Lincoln Heights, United Christian Church, Beulah Baptist Church, Forest Park Christian Church, St. Martin DePoris, Disciple Center, and at the time of her transition she was the Minister of Music of Brown Chapel AME. She was also a musician for the Cincinnati Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop Youth Division. Her theatre credits include: Happy Endings, A Trinity Xmas, Ophelia Moore (Testimonies To A Murder She Committed, The Trial Of One Short—Sighted Black Woman Vs. Mammy Louise And Saffretta May, Amen Corner Trombones and The Sistuhs. Her film credits includes: So Far From Home and Mikey Minute. On January 11, 2018 Our Heavenly Father sent an Angel for Kathy, for she had been required to sing in his Heavenly Choir. Here to cherish fond memories is her son: Kybrin Johnson, her niece/daughter: Angela Johnson. five grand children: Tylin, Kieya, Kybrin Jr., Tamia and Kahri. sisters; Sheryl Phenix, Sheila Coley (Arnold) and Vianne, one brother: Gary Johnson. Uncles: Raymond Phenix Sr. (Emma) Richard Phenix (Joan) Aunt: Florence Beatrice Smith, one nephew: Aaron Johnson and a grand niece: Brooklyn Johnson and a host of other relatives and friends who love her and will truly miss her smile. Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at the James Temple Church of God In Christ, 1116 Lincoln Avenue, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, 3701 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220. To share a memory of Kathryn or leave a special message for the Johnson family, please click the Share Button below. Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Johnson family. Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.

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