Biography:
Marion Lee Johnson is an American mathematician who played a crucial role in the landing of the Apollo 11 mission. Born and raised in a working-class family in Savannah, Georgia, Marion developed a passion for mathematics at a young age. She attributes her love for the subject to her 7th grade math teacher, Walter B. Simmons. Marion attended Moses Jackson school in a segregated neighborhood and excelled academically. In 1963, she graduated as the valedictorian from Thompkins High School.
In 1967, Marion received a scholarship to study mathematics at Talladega College in Alabama. She believed that her degree would lead to a teaching career. However, she faced a setback when she lost her scholarship due to slipping grades. Determined to continue her studies, Marion took out a loan to finance her education and focused on improving her grades to requalify for the scholarship.
After completing her degree at the age of 21, Marion joined Boeing Company in Huntsville, Alabama, as an associate engineer. She was assigned to the Launch Systems branch of the Boeing/NASA team at the Marshall Space Flight Center. At the time, there were very few women working in the space industry. Marion worked under the supervision of Arthur Rudolph and renowned rocket designer Wernher von Braun on the calculations required to simulate vehicle impact trajectories for the Apollo 11 mission.
Marion’s contributions were instrumental in preparing the data for the vehicle impact trajectories, ensuring the successful landing of Apollo 11. Her exceptional performance earned her a perfect score over 20 successful missions and a well-deserved place on the Apollo/Saturn V Roll of Honor. It wasn’t until the release of the movie Hidden Figures in 2016 that Marion fully realized the significance of her own contributions to NASA.
After two years at Boeing/NASA, Marion transitioned to Pfizer, Inc., where she became the Project Leader for the Corporate Information Technology Division. She dedicated 26 years of her career to Pfizer before retiring. Marion currently resides in New Jersey, where she worked as a Computer and Security Instructor at the Branford Hall Career Institute. Her expertise and experience have been invaluable in shaping the next generation of computer professionals.
Marion’s remarkable achievements have been recognized and honored by her community. The city of Plainfield awarded her the key to the city and designated two days to celebrate her legacy. Marion’s impact on society reaches far beyond the boundaries of her work. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her passion have not only influenced countless individuals but have also inspired future generations of women in mathematics and science.
Awards:
– Place on the Apollo/Saturn V Roll of Honor