Obituaries

Chrystal Lee Brinkman, age 44, of Jonesville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and wrapped in the promises of her faith.

Born in Lexington, KY and raised in Stanton, Chrystal was the oldest daughter of Terry and Sue McClure, and from the start, she embodied the spirit of a leader, nurturer, and protector. As a big sister to Stacey, she was not only a sibling but a best friend and lifelong encourager.

Chrystal was the beloved wife of Donald Brinkman, with whom she built a life grounded in faith, love, and shared dreams. Together, they established a cherished homestead in Jonesville, complete with chickens, goats, a thriving garden, and hearts full of gratitude. She joyfully called herself a “hobby farmer,” always embracing the simple and sacred rhythms of country living.

Her most treasured role, however, was as a mother. Chrystal was the passionate and deeply devoted mom of Makenzie “Kenzie” Culbertson, Trevor Brinkman, Alexander “Xander” Culbertson, Samantha “Sammie” Culbertson, and Elisabeth Brinkman. Her children were her purpose and her joy, and she taught them—through both word and action—what it meant to live with love, strength, and unwavering faith.

Chrystal earned her master’s degree in mathematics and served as a statistics professor at Northern Kentucky University with deep care and commitment. Despite her analytical brilliance, Chrystal brought spontaneity and light to every space she entered. She was the friend who planned a party with no schedule, just love. She was the teacher who left students feeling seen and inspired.

Chrystal was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, where she found her spiritual home. She sang in the choir, participated in ladies’ meetings, and served as a neighborhood evangelist—always sharing the good news of her Savior with joy. It was at church where she met both her beloved husband Donald, and her dearest friend, Lisa Jackson, whose bond with Chrystal was one of sisterhood in the truest sense.

Even as she faced cancer twice—first in 2018, and again in 2024—Chrystal’s faith never wavered. She met each trial with grace, courage, and a peace that could only come from her relationship with the Lord. When others came to encourage her, they often left feeling uplifted themselves.

Those who knew Chrystal will remember her for her radiant spirit, her contagious laughter, her barefoot love of the outdoors, her awe at the changing colors of fall, and her joy in the blooms of spring. Whether picnicking with her sister, hiking with her children, or making homemade goat cheese and jelly, Chrystal made the ordinary magical—her true superpower.

She leaves behind her devoted husband Donald, her beloved children Kenzie, Trevor, Xander, Sammie, and Elisabeth; her parents Terry and Sue; her sister Stacey (Michael) Hurt; her niece and nephew, Gracie and Landon Hurt; her dear friend Lisa Jackson; and a wide community of extended family, students, church family, and friends who were forever changed by her love.

Chrystal had plans, dreams, and adventures yet to come, but now she rests in perfect peace with her Heavenly Father—dancing, rejoicing, and singing with the angels. Her adventurous, faith-filled spirit will live on in those who were blessed to know and love her.