Kathleen "Kathy" Sessums

Kathleen “Kathy” Sessums, 68, passed away on April 22, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Kathy was born on August 4, 1957, and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. At just 13 years old, she met the love of her life, John Sessums. The two were married in 1974 and soon after welcomed twin boys, beginning a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion. Kathy was a devoted wife, mother, and Mimi. Her greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, her dogs, and the many friends who felt like family. Whether in Florida or on the river, weekends on the water surrounded by loved ones were where she was happiest. Her long and distinguished career in public service began with the State of Louisiana in 1978. Starting in a clerical role, Kathy’s talent and determination quickly set her apart. Encouraged by her supervisors, she pursued additional education and transitioned into accounting, eventually becoming an agency accountant for the Department of Health and Human Resources (now the Louisiana Department of Health). Over the course of 46 years, she advanced into numerous leadership roles, taking on complex challenges and helping transform state government systems. Kathy led the development of the state’s first cost allocation system at LDH, laying the groundwork for systems still used statewide today. Her expertise, analytical brilliance, and near-photographic memory ultimately led her to become Director of the state’s Enterprise Resource Planning system, LaGov. Under her leadership, this large-scale initiative successfully implemented a statewide system integrating accounting, finance, budgeting, procurement, payroll, inventory, capital projects, travel, training, and grant services. She understood every component in remarkable detail and how each piece worked together. Through her tireless efforts, Kathy helped modernize state operations, replacing outdated systems and securing millions in taxpayer savings. LaGov remains a cornerstone of Louisiana’s statewide operations. Her leadership, vision, and commitment left a lasting mark not only on the systems she built but on the many people she mentored and inspired along the way. In 2022, Kathy was honored with the Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. Career Civil Service Award, the highest recognition for classified state employees, in acknowledgment of her extraordinary service to the citizens of Louisiana. Kathy is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, John Sessums; her sons, Brady Sessums and wife Cinclare, and their children Elizabeth and JB; and Casey Sessums and wife Rebecca, and their children Marcelle and Thomas. She will be remembered for her strength, intelligence, warmth, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. Kathy’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the enduring impact of her life’s work.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.