Katherine Buckner Avery - A Nurse Who Fought for All

Katherine Buckner Avery was a brave and caring nurse who made a difference by standing up for others during a time of racism and hardship.

Katherine was born on May 17, 1896, in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a wealthy family. She spent much of her childhood on Avery Island, which was named after her family. Not much is known about her early years, but her family expected her to live a life of comfort and wealth. Katherine, however, had different dreams. She didn’t want to live off her family’s money, she wanted to make her own way in the world. She decided to become a nurse, even though her family didn’t support her choice.

Despite that, Katherine worked hard. In 1921, she graduated with honors from the Touro Infirmary’s School of Nursing. She held several nursing jobs in hospitals and other settings before joining the Louisiana Public Health Service in 1927 as a Red Cross nurse. She became the first public health nurse in Iberia Parish, breaking new ground as both a woman and a nurse in a segregated state. Katherine’s work stood out not just because of her skills, but because of her kindness and fairness. At the time, Louisiana was deeply segregated, and Black and poor families were often ignored or mistreated. Katherine refused to treat anyone unfairly. She believed that everyone deserved care, no matter their race or how much money they had.

In 1927, the Great Mississippi River Flood struck the region, causing massive damage. Many poor and minority communities lost their homes and had no way to get help. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without shelter or food, and many died. Katherine stepped in and made it clear: she would help anyone she could. She helped care for the sick, gave out supplies, and even used her own money to buy food, washing machines, and other items for people who had nothing. She also asked her friends and professional contacts to help provide supplies for families in need. In 1943, Katherine again showed her bravery during an outbreak of psittacosis, also known as Parrot Fever, a deadly disease. The sick were placed in quarantine, and many people were too scared to go near them, but Katherine stayed and took care of the patients. Other nurses and townspeople criticized her for working with infected people, but she didn’t let that stop her.

She believed that caring for others was more important than what people thought of her. Katherine didn’t just care for people during disasters; she also worked to fix problems in the health system. She started the Iberia Parish Tuberculosis Association, which helped people with a serious lung disease. She also helped create the Iberia Parish Crippled Children’s Association, which gave care and support to children with physical disabilities.

Katherine never married or had children, but she dedicated her entire life to helping others. She retired in 1945, after more than 20 years of hard work and service. Even after retirement, she stayed involved in her community. She passed away on April 6, 1982, in New Iberia, Louisiana, and was buried back on Avery Island, where her journey first began.

Katherine Buckner Avery showed that one person can make a huge difference. Through her courage, kindness, and strong sense of justice, she helped save and improve countless lives. She is remembered as a nurse who stood up for what was right and never gave up on the people who needed her most.

References:
Rhodes, Catherine. “Katherine Buckner Avery (1896-1982), Nightingale of the Bayou.” Working Nurse, 8 Nov. 2022, www.workingnurse.com/articles/katherine-buckner-avery-rn-1896-1982-nightingale-of-the-bayou/.

Key words:
Civil Rights, Justice, Courage, Perseverance, Responsibility, Selflessness, Make a difference, Face Prejudice, STEAM

View Discovery Award projects about this Unsung Hero:
Katherine Buckner Avery - Discovery Award 2016

Image Citation: Unknown Copyright Holder. Image source:
https://www.lowellmilkencenter.org/programs/projects/view/katherine-buckner-avery/hero