Kathleen "Kookie" Wright

The world became a dimmer place with the passing of Kathleen Kellogg “Kookie” Wright on Saturday, the 9th of April 2023. Her vibrant spirit had a profound impact on all those she met, regardless of their social status or position in life.

Kathleen's remarkable journey began on the 19th of August 1949 when she was born to Henry “Curly” and Priscilla Kellogg at Methodist Hospital in Houston. She attended Oak Forest Elementary School, Black Junior High School, where she was a cheerleader, and Waltrip High School, where she was a member of The Imperial Guard.

After graduating from Waltrip, Kathleen pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Education at Southwest Texas State University, where she spent the next four years. Her time there was marked by remarkable achievements and impressive contributions. Kathleen was an active member of the Chi Omega Sorority, a student senator, and was selected as a Gaillardian (or All Campus Favorite). She was also a proud member of the renowned Texas State Strutters, one of the top women's drill teams in the country. In fact, she met her future husband, Bill Wright, during a Strutter practice. Bill often told friends that he was drawn in by Kathleen’s beauty and her smile, which he described as the most infectious and brilliant smile he had ever seen. Just over a year later, on the 12th of September 1969, Kathleen and Bill were married in what was probably the largest wedding ever held at the Methodist Church in San Marcos. On that day, two soulmates began a love affair that would last for 55 years in the presence of what seemed like half the student body.

Kathleen graduated from Southwest Texas State in 1970 and began her teaching career in San Antonio. However, with the help of former President Lyndon B. Johnson, she soon transitioned to teaching in the Austin Independent School District so she could be with Bill in Austin while he completed graduate school at the University of Texas. Kathleen would later go on to teach in Fairfax, Virginia and at Trafton Academy in Houston.

Kathleen had a fascinating life that brought her into contact with many influential people, including presidents, senators, governors, business leaders, and heads of non-profit organizations. However, none of these experiences held more significance to her than her relationships with her family and friends. Above all else, Kathleen cherished her role as a loving and devoted mother to her beloved daughters, Karen Wright and Lisa McChristian. Kathleen was also Emmie McChristian’s treasured Nana, sister to Debbie and Linda Kellogg, mother-in-law to Sean McChristian, cousin to Robert and John Eaton, wonderful wife to Bill Wright, and a caring friend to many, many more. For anyone who spent time with Kathleen, it was evident that she exuded a vibrant and dynamic energy. She was a life force amongst her loved ones, generously offering her empathy, sympathy, unwavering support, and sometimes strong advice. Karen and Lisa often described her as "tiny but mighty," a testament to her resilience and strength.

Throughout Kathleen's illness, her family often reflected on the memories of how much every birthday and holiday meant to her. She had a special way of adding a touch of love, grace, and imagination to all celebrations, even donning a full bunny rabbit suit on Easter. Every family event was meaningful and memorable to Kathleen, and her efforts made them so. Her family also fondly recalled her participation in numerous non-profit organizations, such as Special Olympics, ARC, Circle of Friends, the Joy Group, the Lupus Foundation of America, and many others. They spoke of her unwavering faith and how she missed physically attending church in the last two years due to her illness, but never missed watching the Memorial Drive Methodist Church services on YouTube. Finally, as they mourned her loss, they found comfort in the memories she left behind and her continued presence in their souls. God Bless.

A memorial service and celebration of Kathleen’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 21st of April, in the sanctuary of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive in Houston, where Pastor DeAndre Johnson will officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, Kathleen’s family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in her name be directed to Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079; the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037; or to Special Olympics Texas, 4732 Whirlwind Dr., San Antonio, TX 78217. Direct links to access online donations to all mentioned charities are located below under the "Donations" header.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the "Add a Memory" icon below.