Katie M. Wine

On August 11, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones, Catherine Mae Wine (Johnson) peacefully transitioned into the eternal realm. She will be dearly missed but her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, and all of her loved ones, near and far.

Catherine Mae Wine (Johnson), known to her family and friends as Katie, was born on May 28, 1949, to the marital union of Mary Ethel and Aaron Johnson in Opelousas, Louisiana. After the untimely passing of Catherine’s biological father, her mother remarried Cefous Alexandria who raised Catherine and her four other siblings as his own. Determined to provide their children with a life free from Jim Crow laws and the vestiges of slavery, the family joined the great Black migration from the south, settling in Kansas City, Missouri, and filling their three story, one bathroom house to the brim with five more beautiful children.

In 1968, Catherine graduated from Redemptorist Catholic High School, then attended Avila Catholic College, both of which were all-girls schools. She continued her education at the University of Missouri, completing a Master's degree in Nursing Administration and, from that moment on, Catherine’s mother affectionately referred to her as the family’s “Master Nurse.”

Catherine married the love of her life, Clarence Wine Sr., on December 26, 1970. Determined to make their own memories before starting a family, the young couple traveled all over the United States, living in El Paso, Texas for a short time, before planting their roots in Columbia, Missouri. No matter where they were, their love was the foundation for the community they created.

Catherine began working at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia as one of only two Black nurses on site. She devoted 41 years to the hospital and rose through the ranks from staff nurse to Chief of Nursing, keeping steadfast in her personal motto that she “just loves her veterans.” Catherine was well respected for her dedication to patient care, mentorship of young nurses, and her strong leadership, shepherding staff through challenging times all the while remaining unflappable.

Catherine was especially close to five other dedicated nurses who worked and retired from the hospital—Lula, Kathy, Susan, Vickie and Chris. Self-described as the “VA family” these women formed a close-knit support system throughout their careers—a bond which transcended the workplace into sisterhood. The “family” cherished their time together on annual vacations where they made lifelong memories in Hawaii, Myrtle Beach, Virginia, Graceland and Memphis, generally, the Smoky Mountains, Branson and Florida—to name a few.

Commitment to sisterhood and service enveloped all aspects of Catherine’s life. As a Silver, life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Catherine served in various leadership roles, including Chair of the Undergraduate Committee, Fundraising Chair and Anti-Basileus. She was a guiding Soror in her unwavering pursuit of education, scholarship, and Service to All Mankind.

Above all else, though, Catherine was a devoted mother to her three children, the best Nana her five grandchildren could ask for, everybody’s favorite Auntie, and the family Matriarch. She was a pillar of strength, always providing direction, support, and unconditional love.

Catherine's light will continue to shine on through so many who love her. She is survived by her beloved children, Kevin Wine (Tina) and Leslie Wine (Christopher), five grandchildren, Jordan (Isaiah), Christopher Jr. (Jay), Maxwell (MC), Jasmine (Mina) and Saige (Shay), four sisters, Linda Faye Alexandria, Geneva Miller (Marcus), Mary Graham (John) and Dorothy Auzanne (Norbet), and four brothers, Aaron Johnson Sr. (Lillian), Royal Johnson (Helen), John Perry Alexandria, Ronald Wayne Alexandria, Vincent Alexandria (Diana), John L. Alexander (Serita), James Alexander (Mary). Catherine will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, Sorors and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Clarence Wine Jr., her husband, Clarence Wine Sr., her mother and father, Mary Ethel and Cefous Alexandria, and her three brothers Donald Johnson, Joseph Johnson, and Cefous “June” Alexander Jr.