Kim Y. Wright

She Was… Simply Kim. Some people leave behind accomplishments. Others leave behind possessions. Kim left people with stories—stories filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Kim Y. Strand-Wright was born on September 26, 1963, in Chester, Pennsylvania, to the late Alice M. Strand-Pitts and Lawrence O. Pitts, Sr. She was educated in the Chester-Upland School District and, after moving to Delaware with her mother, graduated from Claymont High School in 1981. Never one to stop learning, Kim later attended secretarial and cosmetology school, always believing there was value in growing, learning, and trying something new. Kim believed in working hard and loving even harder. Throughout her career, she held positions with The Franklin Mint, Shirley’s Beauty Salon, Bernice’s Beauty Salon, and several other employers before retiring from Swarthmore College in 2021. While at Swarthmore, she wasn’t just an employee—she became a mentor to countless young people, offering encouragement, wisdom, and the kind of support that stayed with them long after the conversation ended. That servant’s heart reached far beyond the workplace. Kim dedicated time as a cheer coach, pouring into young people both on and off the sidelines. Whether she was mentoring students, coaching children, or helping raise someone else’s child as if they were her own, Kim believed there was always room in her heart for one more. When football season arrived, everyone knew exactly where to find Kim. A devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan, she rarely missed a game and knew the players better than many lifelong football fans. During Super Bowl season, her home became the gathering place for family and friends, filled with cheering, laughter, spirited debates, and plenty of enthusiastic cries of “Go Eagles!” Win or lose, Kim proudly bled green. To know Kim was to know she wasn’t staying in the house if there was somewhere to get dressed up and go. She loved putting together the perfect outfit, stepping out with confidence, and dancing the night away at the cabarets. If there was good music playing, chances are Kim was already on the dance floor—and probably convincing everyone else to join her. And if you were looking for Kim before the sun came up, there was a good chance you didn’t have to look very far. Around 5:00 a.m., she could probably be found at Wawa in Brookhaven, coffee in hand, getting an early start to her day long before most people had even hit the snooze button. Family was everything to Kim. She loved bringing everyone together, and no family gathering felt complete without her famous homemade potato salad. She had a gift for making people feel welcome, making sure no one left hungry, and creating memories that would become family stories for years to come. Some of Kim’s proudest moments were watching her oldest son get married and celebrating her baby girl’s graduation from college. Those milestones filled her heart with immeasurable joy, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate the people she loved most. In 2013, Kim joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Chester, Pennsylvania, where she faithfully served on the Usher Board. And if you ever watched Kim usher, then you already know—she took that walk seriously. She wasn’t just walking down the aisle; she was making sure everything was done “decently and in order.” One look from Sister Kim was often all it took to remind you exactly where you were supposed to be. It wasn’t intimidating—it was simply Kim. Serving alongside two of her granddaughters made her ministry even more meaningful and brought her tremendous pride. On February 14, 2016, Kim married Curtis Wright, Jr. They shared nearly a decade of marriage and many of life’s experiences together until she took her last breath. Above all else, Kim loved deeply. She celebrated the people she loved, opened her heart and home to others, and had a way of making everyone feel like family—even if they weren’t related by blood. Her laughter was contagious, her advice was honest, and her presence was unforgettable. Her legacy isn’t measured only by the years she lived, but by the countless lives she touched, the children she helped raise, the young people she encouraged, the meals she shared, the dances she enjoyed, and the love she gave so freely. Some people leave behind accomplishments. Others leave behind possessions. Kim left us with stories. And what beautiful stories they are. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Kim Y. Wright

September 26, 1963 - July 26, 2026