Wilhelmenia A. Winston

November 20, 1948 - December 12, 2021

Wilhelmenia Althea Clark Winston – A Life Well Lived Humble Beginning Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him (Psalms127:3). Wilhelmenia Althea Clark Winston, the third born of the late Harold Clark and the late Sarah Clark Burch, was born in Washington, D. C. on November 20, 1942. Wilhelmenia was a member of the class of 1960 of Mary N. Smith High School located in Accomack County, Virginia, where she was reared by her grandmother the late Altha Seymour Simpkins. In the same year of graduation, she relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to work and start her new life. Eternal Love Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things 1 Corinthians 13:7). It was in Philadelphia where Wilhelmenia married the love of her life Franklin Winston (Butch). This union was blessed with four children to love and nourish as gifts from God, Cassandra, Louise, Loretta, and Marshall. Their happy family circle was broken first when her husband of 35 years preceded her in death and again when God called to rest their first-born child, Cassandra Winston Bivings. Wilhelmenia also was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, Moses and Altha Simpkins, two brothers, Lamont Clark and George Burch, Jr., and one sister, Beverly Clark Thomas. Fashion, Flare, and Frugality She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands (Proverbs 31:13). Wilhelmenia had a passion and flare for fashion in her clothes and in her home. She was a talented seamstress and interior decorator and not only used her gifts to design and sew clothing for herself and her siblings but also to create most of the drapery in her home and to reupholster furniture. She followed the latest trends and could predict future trends in fashion. A very immaculate person in her home and her personal appearance, Wilhelmenia cleverly stored fashions from year to year and awaited their return. Then she would gleefully pull out her “like new” fashions without having to spend a dime. Entrepreneurship and Beyond She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27). For many years, Wilhelmenia worked at various domestic jobs in Philadelphia. Later she and her family moved to Chester, PA, and it was there that she and Butch began numerous successful years as entrepreneurs. They owned and operated Frank’s Furniture and a mattress factory and outlet called Delco Bedding. Once again, she used her talents and gifts to sew the covers for the mattresses in their factory. After Wilhelmenia retired from the factory business, she got tired of what one may call “idle” hands. She tried various jobs in retail stores, but soon discovered a new love and gift when she accepted a job as an Adult Training Instructor at the Ryan House, where she happily worked until her health declined. Wilhelmenia loved working with her clients and often spoiled them by bringing them gifts and treats. A Soul Anchored in the Lord Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us (Titus 3:5). Wilhelmenia accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age but became a tithing member of Jubilee Christian Church in Boston, MA under the leadership of her nephew and niece Pastors Matthew and Mona Thompson. She enjoyed hearing good preaching and gospel music. Each morning she was greeted with prayers from Pastor Matthew Thompson and special devotion, praise, and prayer time with her son Marshall Winston. Lately, she received a special blessing through prayer by her five-year-old great-grandson Dash. Also, every Sunday morning, she turned her radio to Rev. Matt Thompson’s worship service followed by an hour of Gospel Request Time with her niece Anetia Finney. Family, Friends, and Fun Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God (1 John 4:7). There was no greater love than the love she had for her family and the many joyful times shared with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Each year she also looked forward to spending time with her sisters during their sister retreat, which usually culminated with a huge family cookout down in Virginia. Because of Wihelmenia’s timeless beauty (especially her legs), she was dubbed “Tina Turner.” At many of the reunions, adorned in one of her unique outfits, she entertained us by lip syncing and dancing to Tina Turner’s Proud Mary. Family and Friends Supportive Care We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers (1Thessalonians 1:2). During her declining years, Wilhelmenia’s primary caregivers were her children and grandchildren. She also was blessed to have supportive siblings, nieces, nephews, and in-laws who went above and beyond with their financial donations, prayers, and calls, and visits to make sure all her needs were met exceedingly. The Battle Is Over Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). God called Wilhelmenial from her labors to rest on Sunday, December 12, 2021 When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Memories Live On I thank my God upon every remembrance of you (Philippians 1:3). Left to cherish her love, laughter, and leadership are her children, Louise Clark of Chester Township, PA, Lorretta Winston (Kevin) of Elkton, MD, and Marshall Winston (Michelle) of Orlando, Florida; 10 grandchildren, Malik, April, Krystal, Lenell, Joy, Anthony, Keith, Andre, Ramika, and Tawana; 29 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Richard Lucas of Philadelphia, PA, and Gregory Burch, Sr. (Kathy) of Hanover, MD; 3 sisters, Gloria Lindsay of Fountain Valley, CA, Regina Finney (Airey) of Parksley, VA, and Zanita McCants (Terence) of Waldorf, MD; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Yvonne and Bishop Gideon Thompson of Boston, MA; 3 stepchildren, Frank, Beverly, and Michael; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. Lovingly submitted, The Family