Kathryn Kruschwitz

April 18, 2023
Kathryn  Kruschwitz

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Kathryn Winstead Kruschwitz died at home in Williamsburg, VA, on April 18, 2023, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Greensboro, NC, on February 2, 1952, the daughter of Gorman C. and Wilma H. Winstead. Kathy grew up in Sanford, NC, surrounded by a large Winstead “clan” that gave her a strong and loving foundation for life.

She graduated from UNC Greensboro with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development, and then from Southeastern Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in divinity. Her early work in drug intervention and prevention led to a long and distinguished career of 28 years with Alternatives, Inc., a youth-serving agency in Hampton, VA, of which she was the Executive Director for more than 17 years. In addition to her work at Alternatives, Kathy served the Virginia Peninsula and the state through numerous boards and organizations, and she was a recognized leader in early childhood development and youth development statewide.

As an inclusive person with a deep faith in Christ, she enjoyed growing spiritually alongside friends of many different faiths, and she was also a devoted church member, most recently at Williamsburg Presbyterian and Hampton Baptist. In recent years she also worked with the Baptist General Association of Virginia to support pastors and local churches. In everything she did, Kathy’s passion was to use her gifts and love to serve others, especially unseen children, and she brought a keen intellect, creativity, a desire to help, and a gift for making friends.

As a mother and grandmother, Kathy sought to provide the love and wisdom, learning and affirmation that each one needed to develop into the person they were meant to be. She loved to be creative with her grandchildren, who called her Kit, through art projects, adventures, games, and summer “Kit camps.” In retirement, Kathy especially enjoyed art and writing, traveling, golf, dinner, hanging out with her beloved husband, and spending time with her “soul sisters,” neighbors and friends. Family was always the core of her life, and she treasured her marriage to Al and deeply loved their blended and united family. Together they attended every concert, soccer game, and holiday gathering that they could.

Kathy was predeceased by her parents and her son Brandon Johnson, and is survived by her husband, Albert Kruschwitz; her sons Patrick Johnson (Caitlin) and Ashley Johnson; and Al’s children Heidi (Johnny) Walker, Craig (Alex Watts) Kruschwitz, Brian (Jennifer) Kruschwitz, and Katy (Pete) Carricato. Eleven grandchildren will also miss their beloved “Kit,” and her love and spirit will remain with them always. In addition to her family, Kathy’s love and service has touched the lives of countless children and adults, and her legacy continues in them. She is also survived by two brothers, Wayland (Paula) and Bud (Joan) Winstead and their children.

A memorial service will be held on May 6th at 11 a.m. at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, with a reception to follow at the church. The service will also be live-streamed on the church website at www.mywpc.org/streaming. Contributions in Kathy’s memory may be directed to Alternatives, Inc. in Hampton, VA.


Memorial Service

Saturday, May 6, 2023
11:00 AM

Williamsburg Presbyterian Church - Directions
215 Richmond Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185

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  • April 23, 2023
    Freddie Simons says:
    Kathy and I worked together for for over 20 years. She was a beautiful, kind and very dedicated professional who gave her all to support Alternatives, Inc and all the children, youth and families they served. I will miss her tremendously. Peace and love to her husband, family and friends.