July 6 2019: VINTON, Kendra J.

KENDRA JO VINTON (Age 63)

On Thursday, July 4, 2019, of Laurel, MD.  Beloved sister and best friend of  Victoria V. Sullivan; devoted best friend and life partner of Ed Gutridge and his daughter, Vicky;  devoted aunt and Godmother of Casey McLellan, her husband Shaun and her sons Terrence (TJ) and Ryan; also survived by many loving family members and friends.

Kendra will be remembered for her larger than life persona, her positivity, happiness, generosity, love of quilting, animals, travel, scuba diving and all things related to the sea. She committed to the cause of organ donation, serving as Chairman of the Board Of the Washington Area Transplant Community for many years and creating beautiful shawls for their Comfort Shawl Program. Her career in health care administration spanned over four decades and included Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital, the Veterans Administration and, most recently, the US Military HIV Research Program.  But her true gift was her humor, loyalty and devotion to her family and friends, particularly to her great nephews TJ and Ryan. She was our anchor and our rock.

Relatives and friends may call at  Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, 20901 (Valet Parking), on Sunday, July 14, from 2 to 4 pm, where a prayer service will begin at 3:30 pm.  Private Interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Regional Transplant Community; online at beadonor.org or mailed to WRTC 3190 Fairview Park Drive,#700, Falls Church, VA 22042.