Kathleen Johnson (President Henry B. Eyring’s Wife) Wiki: Age, Kids, Family, Death, BIO
Kathleen Johnson, also known as Kathleen Johnson Eyring, was the wife of President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the age of 82, surrounded by her family in Bountiful, Utah.
Early Life and Education
Kathleen Johnson came into the world on the 11th of May, 1941, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California. Her parents, J. Cyril and LaPrele Lindsay Johnson, lovingly welcomed her into a family that would grow to four children. Kathleen, being the second child, was raised in an environment filled with love and support. She exhibited a lively and sociable nature from a young age, excelling in both academics and sports. Her high school years saw her don the roles of captain for the tennis team, student body president, and valedictorian.
Post high school, Kathleen pursued further education at the University of California, Berkeley, immersing herself in the study of English with a minor in history. She actively participated in the Latter-day Saint student association, a commitment that strengthened her belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ and her spiritual journey.
In the summer of 1961, while attending Harvard University for summer school, Kathleen’s life took a fateful turn. During a devotional gathering, a young student from Harvard, Henry Bennion Eyring, was captivated by Kathleen’s goodness. He vividly remembers being struck by the thought, “If I could only be with her, I could be every good thing I ever wanted to be.” This serendipitous encounter led to a blossoming relationship; they began dating the following week. Their love story culminated in a beautiful marriage ceremony held on the 19th of July, 1962, in the sacred setting of the Logan Utah Temple.
Marriage with Husband President Henry B. Eyring
Embarking on the journey of married life, the youthful couple set their roots in Palo Alto, California, as Henry pursued his role on the faculty at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University. In these early years of matrimony, Kathleen’s faith deepened, and her spiritual understanding grew through regular worship and seeking solace at the Oakland California Temple.
Their residence in Palo Alto spanned nine years, during which their family blossomed with the additions of their sons: Henry, Stuart, and Matthew. In 1970, with Henry immersed in his role as a bishop and flourishing in academia at Stanford, Kathleen encouraged him to contemplate his career path through prayerful introspection. Initially taken aback, Henry eventually heeded her advice and received a prompting to consider new job prospects with an open mind. In a matter of days, an offer came for him to lead Ricks College, now known as BYU–Idaho, in Rexburg, Idaho—an offer he embraced.
Life in rural Idaho brought the family closer, providing opportunities for skiing, golfing, and tennis, where Kathleen and Henry triumphed as a doubles team in the Ricks College tennis tournament of 1975. The Eyrings relocated to Utah in 1977 when Henry assumed the role of deputy commissioner of Church Education for the Church. Over time, their family expanded to eight with the arrival of John, Elizabeth, and Mary.
Kathleen’s foremost dedication remained in supporting and advising her husband while prioritizing her role as a mother—a responsibility she cherished above all else. Despite this, she found moments to follow her passion for writing and literature, penning a young adult novel titled “The Golden Door,” which earned acclaim with a state-wide prize in 1979. Her editorial insights also extended to assisting her husband in his professional pursuits.
How Many Kids Does Kathleen Johnson Eyring Have?
Kathleen Johnson Eyring had six children with her husband, President Henry B. Eyring. They have four sons and two daughters. Their names are:
- Henry J. Eyring, who is the current president of BYU–Idaho. He is married to Kelly Ann Eyring and they have five children.
- Stuart J. Eyring is a businessman and entrepreneur. He is married to Lisa Eyring and they have six children.
- Matthew J. Eyring is a strategy consultant and innovation expert. He is married to Andrea Eyring and they have six children.
- John H. Eyring is a software engineer and executive. He is married to Melissa Eyring and they have five children.
- Elizabeth Eyring Peters, who is a homemaker and mother. She is married to David Peters and they have five children.
- Mary Eyring Runyan is a homemaker and mother. She is married to Michael Runyan and they have four children.
Kathleen Johnson Eyring loved her children dearly and was proud of their accomplishments. She was also a devoted grandmother to 31 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She taught them by her example of faith, service, kindness, and optimism. She enjoyed spending time with them and creating memories together.
Family: Parents & Siblings
According to the web search results, Kathleen Johnson’s parents were J. Cyril and LaPrele Lindsay Johnson. She had three siblings: a brother named David Johnson and two sisters named Susan Johnson Christensen and James Johnson. She was the second of four children and grew up in a loving and supportive home.
Church Service and Influence
Throughout their enduring 60-plus years of marriage and President Eyring’s nearly four decades of devoted Church service, Sister Eyring remained his steadfast pillar of support, counselor, and confidante. President Eyring, a stalwart in Church leadership, often acknowledged his wife’s profound influence on his life and character.
Reflecting on their first tennis date during an interview on his 90th birthday, President Eyring shared a light-hearted memory, appreciating Kathleen’s resilience and determination. He emphasized how she showcased her strength in challenging moments, a trait he admired.
Expressing gratitude for her unwavering support in his Church responsibilities, President Eyring lauded Kathleen’s enduring encouragement. Not only was Sister Eyring a supportive force in her husband’s life, but she also contributed her talents and heart to various Church callings, touching the lives of many within and beyond her immediate community.
President Eyring also conveyed his deep appreciation for his wife’s unwavering support in his service within the Church. He reflected, “Not once has she voiced a complaint regarding any responsibility I’ve shouldered within the Church. Her consistent support and encouragement have been my steadfast companions.”
In addition to being a pillar of support, Sister Eyring contributed her talents and dedication in various Church capacities throughout her lifetime. Her service included roles such as a Relief Society president, Young Women president, Primary president, and temple worker. She also shared meaningful experiences by accompanying her husband on numerous Church assignments globally, where her words and presence served as a wellspring of inspiration for countless Latter-day Saints.
Beyond her family and Church engagements, Sister Eyring was known for her warmth, generosity, humor, and optimism. Building lasting friendships, she found joy in reading, writing, travel, games, movies, and quality time with her beloved family.
Obituary, Death Cause and Legacy
Sister Eyring passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the age of 82, surrounded by her family in Bountiful, Utah. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, President Henry B. Eyring; their six children: Henry J. Eyring (Kelly), Stuart J. Eyring (Lisa), Matthew J. Eyring (Andrea), John H. Eyring (Melissa), Elizabeth Eyring Peters (David) and Mary Eyring Runyan (Michael); 31 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother David Johnson (Linda) and sister Susan Johnson Christensen (Robert). She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James Johnson.
Sister Eyring’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Bountiful Utah Central Stake Center. The service will be broadcast live on ChurchofJesusChrist.org for those who wish to watch online. A public viewing will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the same location. The interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Sister Eyring lived a life of deep religious conviction and service to her family and community. She leaves a legacy of strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Kathleen Johnson Wiki, and Biodata
| Name | Kathleen Johnson Eyring |
| Birth Date | May 11, 1941 |
| Birth Place | David Johnson, Susan Johnson Christensen, and James Johnson |
| Death Date | October 15, 2023 |
| Death Place | Bountiful, Utah |
| Spouse | Henry B. Eyring (m. 1962) |
| Children | Henry J. Eyring, Stuart J. Eyring, Matthew J. Eyring, John H. Eyring, Elizabeth Eyring Peters and Mary Eyring Runyan |
| Parents | J. Cyril and LaPrele Lindsay Johnson |
| Siblings | David Johnson, Susan Johnson Christensen and James Johnson |
| Education | The University of California at Berkeley; Harvard University |
| Occupation | Writer; Homemaker; Church Leader |
| kathleenjohnson | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
