Kathrine "Kat" (Winfrey) Sylvas

Kathrine “Kat” Winfrey Sylvas went to her heavenly home in the early morning of February 5, 2023.  She was born the 10th child of the late Thomas and Georgia (Sallee) Winfrey March 19, 1944.

She received Jesus Christ at an early age at Cedar Grove Baptist church. She graduated from Russell County high school in 1962, and then moved to Louisville KY. She later met her husband Lionel Sylvas at a dance on the Fort Knox Army base.  They were later married on January 23, 1966 and were blessed to have 2 children, Angela and Antoine Sylvas.

The young family lived in Detroit MI, Miami FL and later settled in Burke VA. Kathrine found a loving church home at Burke Assembly of God (today known as Jubilee Christian Center). She also secured a job with State Farm Insurance where she remained for 30 yrs until her retirement.

After retirement she and her husband moved around a bit. New Orleans LA, Jeffersonville IN, and Richmond VA before settling in Louisville KY where Kathrine enjoyed being close to family and friends.

Her faith, family and friends were the joys of her life. How she lived out her faith was a source of strength to many. She had a profoundly generous heart. Where she felt a need she gave.  She had a ‘sassy’ sense of humor, which always left the listener(s) with a chuckle.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Georgia Winfrey; brothers Walter Winfrey, James “Buddy” Winfrey, Norman Winfrey, Frank Winfrey, Wendell Winfrey, Thomas Winfrey; and sisters Gloria Calhoun and Nora Lee Garrison.

She leaves to mourn:  Her husband Lionel Sylvas of Louisville, KY; children Angela Sylvas of Louisville, KY and Antoine Sylvas of Covington, KY; step-daughter Carla Sylvas of Lewisville TX; sisters Harlene Hartwell and Cynthia Bowling of California and a multitude of family and friends.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with Rev. Albert Taylor, Jr. delivering the eulogy.

Burial following the service at the Holt Cemetery at Crocus, KY.

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements