Kristen Alwood Colston

Kristen Alwood Colston passed away January 2, 2025, with her loving husband, John, by her side in their home in Oakton, Virginia. Born September 27, 1966, in Washington D.C., Kris would live a remarkable life in the Northern Virginia area. A graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School and George Mason University, she married the love of her life, John Colston, in April 1989. Thirty-five years later, after a courageous battle with cancer, she leaves behind two sons: Jack Colston (Rachel) and Mitch Colston(Jess); three grandchildren: Maya and Ava Colston, and Adler Colston; three siblings: Bruce Alwood (Kathy), Karen Alwood Corpe (Rich), and Brad Alwood (Tim); and her beloved nieces and nephews: Melissa Haas (Rich), Greg Goodson, Kasey Fristoe (Caleb), Michele Foley (Nathan), Paige Burr (Caleb), Allison Corpe, Mallory Corpe, Hailey Corpe, Moses Alwood. She is preceded in death by her parents John and Betsy Alwood.

Kris’ generous, hospitable and faithful spirit gained her great friends all over the country. She treasured new acquaintances and old friends alike, always befriending those the Lord placed in her path with her signature smile. Her magnetic, fun-loving personality endeared her to many. Everyone relished her company and her thoughtfulness. She adored her extended family and was the glue holding them together. She proclaimed the gospel boldly even amid her journey of suffering. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of those faithful to Him” (Psalm 116:15). Kris exemplified this truth.

Together with John, they have served the ministry of Young Life for 35+ years. Kris’ desire for others to know they are loved by Jesus was a driving point of her life. She was influential in the development of the most recently constructed Young Life Camp, Wild Ridge, in West Virginia. She was a founding member in the planting of the Capitol Presbyterian Fairfax Church and was an active parent and volunteer for many years at Trinity Christian School in Fairfax. Most inspiring has been the partnership with her husband John in ALL aspects of life, whether family, work, volunteerism, church, community or recreation. They were a true and beautiful team. Their love for each other was a source of strength for Kris in her generous love for others.

There is deep grief and loss in Kris’ ‘early’ departure from this earthly life. Her dear family, those who were closest to her, and all those who loved her, are devastated and heartbroken. Yet, we rejoice in the divine mercy of her release from suffering. We know she is united in the everlasting arms of Jesus Christ. And we honor that in her deepest pain, she pointed others to the goodness of her Savior and King. She is and will be so greatly missed.

Funeral services will be at 1:00PM on Friday January 17, 2025 at McLean Presbyterian Church, 1020 Balls Hill Rd, McLean, VA 22101. Reception to follow at Westwood Country Club, 800 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180. The service will be live streamed.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are encouraged to donate to Young Life Wild Ridge Camp https://giving.younglife.org/ or Capital Caring Health (Hospice). https://www.capitalcaring.org/