Kathleen Wilkinson Wootten was born on January 27, 1890, in Gastonburg, Alabama. Wootten received her A.B. from Sullins College in 1910 with a major in English and Piano and her M.A. in Health Education and Science from the Teachers' College at Columbia University. She served as the Chair of the Health Department at Georgia State College for Women from 1917 to 1926. Afterwards, she continued teaching courses in health, mental hygiene, sex education, safety education and physical education at the institution.
During her career, Wootten researched and studied with some of America's greatest doctors, surgeons, obstetricians, pediatricians, psychiatrists and dentists. In addition, she lectured at various institutions and researched abroad. She published numerous books and articles on health related topics. In speaking of her active involvement in her field, Wootten admitted that she had an "endless amount of enthusiasm for health education."
In 1940 Wootten was elected as a member of the Nancy Hart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an active member of several professional organizations including the American Association of University Women, American Child Health Association and an honorary life member of the National Tuberculosis Association. She was included in Who's Who in Education and Who's Who Among American Women.
Wootten married Lieutenant Colonel Henry Stewart Wootten, owner of Wootten Chemical Company, on July 8, 1920. Ornithology, gardening and painting were among some of Wootten's interests.