Born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1953, Hattie L. Johnson-Smith lived a life marked by perseverance, faith, and a commitment to serving her community. She witnessed Wyandotte County’s transformation into a vibrant part of the greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area, and throughout her life, she remained deeply committed to its growth and success.
Hattie’s educational journey began at Lincoln, Emerson, and Abbott Elementary schools before continuing at Northwest Junior High and ultimately graduating as a proud Wyandotte Bulldog. From humble beginnings as the middle child of nine siblings, she exemplified resilience and determination. While raising four children within USD 500 schools, she simultaneously pursued higher education, earning three collegiate degrees: an A.S. in Business from KCKCC, a B.S. in Business Management from Friends University, and later a Master’s in Business Management from Friends University.
In 1973, Hattie began her professional career as a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell. Through decades of dedication, she advanced steadily, ultimately retiring from AT&T in 2008 as the Dispute Process Manager for the corporation’s entire business services division. In this role, she was responsible for training more than 1,500 managers across the company.
Hattie’s passion for her hometown never wavered. Rather than relocate for professional opportunities, she chose to remain in Kansas City, Kansas, where she made significant contributions to the community. After retiring from AT&T, she played a key role in launching the Unified Government of Wyandotte County’s 311 service, an innovative resource hotline that has served residents for nearly two decades. She later became the Tax Levy Manager, a position she held until her retirement in August 2023.
Beyond her academic and professional accomplishments, Hattie’s heart for service shone through her ministry and community leadership. For 50 years, she served as choir director at Faith Deliverance Family Worship Center, counseling, uplifting, and inspiring countless lives. Her commitment to education and youth was evident when she ran for the KCKPS School Board in 2019, further underscoring her passion for students and families. She also advocated for civic engagement, encouraging residents to embrace the belief that “one vote equals one voice.”
Although she is no longer with us, Hattie’s legacy of excellence, advocacy, and service lives on through her family and the countless individuals she touched. For this event, we were honored to meet and interview her incredible children, who carry forward her strength, wisdom, and love for Wyandotte County.
Hattie leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to her community, a true inspiration to us all.
Your support of the Reasons to Believe campaign helps us celebrate and uplift the outstanding individuals in our community while also providing vital scholarships and resources that empower students to achieve their dreams.
