Kathryn Ann Pipkin McKinney

1956 - 2024

Kathryn Pipkin McKinney

March 4, 1956 - June 9, 2024

Kathryn Ann Pipkin McKinney was born March 4, 1956 in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Richard Michael Pipkin and Barbara Dearman Pipkin. Kathryn left this earthly realm surrounded by love at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice in Winston Salem, North Carolina on June 9, 2024. She is survived by her son, Charles Michael McKinney of Mooresville, North Carolina; her father, Richard M Pipkin of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and two brothers, Eben Alexander III and his partner, Karen Newell of Charlottesville, Virginia, and David Michael Pipkin, and his wife, Adonna, of Hampstead, North Carolina. Kathryn loved her nephews and nieces, Eben Alexander IV, Carter Bond Alexander, Isabella Corrine Pipkin and Samantha Lauren Pipkin. Kathryn was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Pipkin; and a sister, Elizabeth (Betsy) Lee Pipkin Michels.

Kathryn spent many of her younger years moving around the United States since her father was an aviator for the United States Navy. The family finally settled in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1971, where she graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1973. She went on to UNC-Chapel Hill where she became a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1977. She then furthered her education in Greenville, North Carolina, where she received her Master of Business Administration from East Carolina University in 1978.

Following a brief time in Wilmington, North Carolina, Kathryn moved to Winston Salem in 1981 and worked as a Lead Programmer Analyst for RJ Reynolds Tobacco until 2007. She also worked for the NC Eye Bank, Hanes Brands, and had various contract opportunities with Wells Fargo and other entities.

Kathryn was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston Salem, where she participated in the Stephen Ministry which provided support for those experiencing grief. She was a graduate of the Education for Ministry program offered through the University of the South (Sewanee). She also enjoyed participating in annual church bazaars and Episcopal Church Women activities.

Kathryn loved going to the beach with her extended family, where she was renowned for her skills at collecting shark's teeth from the beach. Annually her parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles would convene for week long "catch up" in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

A celebration of life for Kathryn will be held at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church located at 520 Summit Street in Winston Salem, North Carolina on Friday, June 21st at 10 a.m.