Kathryn McGahey Winney

Born in Reform, Alabama, on September 29, 1958, Kathryn was the daughter of James Russell McGahey, Sr. and Lydia Wilson McGahey. She was raised in Columbus, Mississippi, alongside her siblings, Victoria McGahey Yanner and James Russell McGahey Jr., and carried with her throughout life the values of family, faith, and perseverance.

Kathryn was a dedicated scholar who graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi University for Women with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting (1980) and Legal Studies (1985). She was active on campus where she served as Student Government Association President, Student Senate, Day Student Council President, Senate President Pro-Tem, and Senator of the Year 1978-1979. She went on to earn her Master of Business Administration from Webster University in 1995, also graduating summa cum laude and being honored as Graduate Student of the Year.

Professionally, Kathryn was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in both Texas and Maryland. She specialized in individual, Schedule C, corporate, and estate taxation, and possessed extensive expertise in forensic and fraud accounting, financial accounting, and auditing. Her career included service as an IRS agent in Miami, Florida, work with the accounting firm Carneiro, Chumney & Co. in San Antonio, and establishing her own practice, Winney CPA. Her supporting job was as an Air Force officer's wife where she led and supported family services, squadron wives, and was President of the Officers' Wives Club, awarded the Air Training Command Volunteer of the Year.

Above all, Kathryn found her true vocation in education. Over more than two decades, she taught accounting at Kirkwood Community College, Coe College, and Midwestern State University before joining Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. There, she served as Associate Professor of Accounting and Associate Dean of the School of Business and Leadership. She was granted tenure in 2015 and influenced countless students with her rigorous teaching and compassionate mentorship.

Her teaching philosophy emphasized education as a pathway to social and economic mobility, particularly for first-generation students. She was known for balancing high expectations with a deep commitment to her students’ success. Her research and professional contributions included publications and conference presentations on topics such as accounting education, IFRS adoption, forensic accounting, and technological innovation in higher education. She was an active member of the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs, Financial Executives International, and the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting.

Outside the classroom and workplace, Kathryn was a woman of many talents and interests. She delighted in baking and antique hunting and was actively engaged in political and civic life. Known for her wit, vivacious humor, and generous heart, she touched the lives of her family, colleagues, students, and community.

Kathryn married the love of her life, David Winney, on March 7, 1981. Together, they shared more than forty years of devotion and raised their daughter, Allison Kathleen Winney, who was the pride and joy of Kathryn’s life.

She is survived by her husband, David Winney, retired USAF officer; her daughter, Allison Kathleen Winney; her siblings, Victoria McGahey Yanner and James Russell McGahey Jr.; and many extended relatives, friends, and students who will cherish her memory.

Her memorial service will be held at Oak Hills Church- Crownridge campus in San Antonio on Monday, October 6 at 11:00 a.m. Her burial ceremony will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 7 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: St. Jude Children's Hospital, Shriners Children's Hospital, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.