Mrs. Kiyoko Kate Johnson

Kiyoko Kate Johnson (née Natori), of Scottsboro, AL died in Silver Spring, MD surrounded by her family and friends on April 29, 2018. She was 72 years old. Kiyoko is survived by her children, Teresa Johnson of Ball Ground, GA and Frankie Johnson of Huntsville, AL; her four grandchildren Kristen Lockmiller of Scottsboro, AL, Emily Johnson of Charlotte, SC, Alex Johnson of Scottsboro, AL and Taylor Hill of Woodstock, GA; and her brothers Yoshio and Masashi Natori of Hokkaido, Japan. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Johnson Hill of Kennesaw, GA; her parents, Yatarou and Hifumi Natori of Hokkaido, Japan; her sister, Hisako Nilson of Falls Church, VA; and her brothers Yaichi and Kenzo Natori of Hokkaido, Japan. Kiyoko was born on January 10, 1946 in Akabira Japan to Yatarou and Hifumi Natori as the youngest of 6 children. She married a young American Army soldier named Emmett Melton Johnson who was stationed in Chitose Japan on April 21, 1966. After his tour of duty was complete, the pair returned to the United States for the next military assignment. Over eight years, the couple welcomed three children into their home and Kiyoko set about teaching them the importance of compassion, hard work, and education that would forge their eventual careers and successes later in life. Kiyoko became an American citizen on March 6, 1974 where she added “Kate” as her middle name in honor of her husband’s grandmother. She was extremely proud of her American citizenship and had studied diligently to pass the test with high marks. Her surviving children remember her as a driven, caring woman and a patient, loving mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams. Her friends remember her as a sweet caring woman with the big smile which reached her eyes. Kiyoko and Melton were married for 52 years. In addition to being a housewife, a mother and grandmother, Kiyoko was accomplished at sewing, crocheting, cooking, ping pong playing, water and snow skiing and basically anything which she set her mind to do. She was a hard-working individual who loved to support and participate in various activities involving her family and friends. She was a force of nature and her passion for life and living was infectious. She made a positive warm influence on everyone who was fortunate to have known her. Kiyoko passed away peacefully after a 2 year fight with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. She had survived breast cancer 19 years earlier. In April 2016, she was diagnosed with the second cancer. She made the decision to receive treatment placing her trust in Dr. Nelson Kalil a medical oncologist of Chevy Chase, MD. Together they formed a partnership to combat her illness and at the same time balance her quality of life. This gave her 24 months of life from initial diagnosis to her death. Kiyoko was a fighter; however, after the 4th new procedure, her body was no longer able to fight even though her will to fight was there. The last week of her life, Kiyoko gave Dr. Kalil a handshake and thanked him for the journey. She appreciated all of his efforts and let him know he was indeed a “great doctor”. She will be remembered as a strong fighter who though out remained positive, hopeful, and gracious to the very end. Kiyoko also had a wonderful support system in her corner in Maryland as she went through her many treatments for cancer. It would be remiss not to acknowledge them. Her support system included these special ladies who gave their invaluable friendship and acts of kindness: Vanita Jones, Diana Soong, and Carmen Yamada of Silver Spring, MD. The love and support she received from Rick Pavek of Silver Spring, MD and his sister Ellen Mitchell of Chicago, IL was limitless and un-conditional. Her niece Alesia Fowler with her daughter Naomi of Falls Church, VA and her nephew Craig Johnson and his wife Shannon of Scottsboro, AL gave much needed love and prayers from her family. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm and followed by the funeral service from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Scottsboro Funeral Home, with the burial to follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Macedonia, AL. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kiyoko's life. Flowers and condolences can be sent to 1502 County Park Rd., Scottsboro, AL 35769.

Mrs. Kiyoko Kate Johnson

January 10, 1946 - April 29, 2018