Virginia Henderson Winston was born September 14, 1930, in Lufkin Texas. She passed away peacefully May 3, 2024, in her home in Lufkin, Texas. Mrs. Winston became a great source for the history of Keltys, Texas, having grown up there, as she became a part of that history. Her legacy continues in and through her presence at Keltys United Methodist Church where she will forever be a member.
Virginia Winston grew up attending school in Keltys and then in Lufkin, Texas, before receiving her bachelor’s degree at The University of Texas, majoring in Home Economics. She spent her summers in the Texas Hill Country at her beloved Camp Waldemar, where she was a member of the Comanche Tribe. While at The University of Texas she was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority and years later was instrumental in bringing the Tri Delta Sorority to the Stephen F. Austin campus in Nacogdoches, Texas. She served her church and the United Methodist denomination on various committees and on many levels with great passion. She was a charter member of the Lufkin Service League and was involved in her community through many organizations.
Mrs. Winston received several awards for her dedication to the preservation and conservation of land, plants, and wildlife native to the area, including the Leopold Conservation Award. In 1998 she and her husband John, were recognized as Tree Farmers of the year for the state of Texas. She Has been recognized and honored by the East District of the United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church of Lufkin and Keltys United Methodist Church, as well as local organizations. This includes receiving the Legacy Award for service in the Jr. League of Lufkin, and being recognized by Angelina Alliance for Children, American Cancer Society Pinewoods Cattle Baron’s Gala and many others.
Her love for adventure and life is proven by her role as a licensed pilot as well as a licensed gemologist, and her love and generosity known throughout the community. She lived life to its’ fullest as she travelled the world, leaving her mark wherever she went. Mrs. Winston was active with her Bridge and Gin groups at Crown Colony Country Club until recently when her health prohibited it. She had a love for watching sports, especially baseball and the University of Texas football. Virginia Henderson Winston will forever be remembered for her loyalty to her husband, family and friends, her community and especially to her Lord.
Survivors include her son John Randolph Winston III and his wife Carolyn Brown Winston, son Benjamin Dee Winston and his wife Jennifer Wade Winston, daughter Lou Ann Winston Miller and son Simon Wood Winston. Grandchildren John Randolph Winston IV, Nancy Louise Winston, Patricia Anne Winston, Lacey Pauline Winston Keath, Benjamin Dee Winston II and wife Emily, Elliott Bess Winston, William Grady Miller and wife Amber, and Herbert John Miller. Great-grandchildren Isabel Lee Winston, Evans Loucille Winston, Mary Caroline Henson, Taylor McKenzie Winston, Alexandra Leigh Keath, Clara Layne Keath, Hill Winston Keath, Evelyn Rose Winston, Charlotte Belle Winston, Arden Lucille Miller and Claire Elise Miller. Mrs. Winston is also survived by her sister-in-law Joie Honea Henderson as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Winston was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Randolph Winston, Jr; parents Loucille Johnson Henderson and Simon Wood Henderson II; sisters Irma Veree Alexandeer, Elizabeth Louise Page, Laura Sue McMurray, and brother Simon Wood Henderson III.
A funeral service for Virginia will be held Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 3:30 PM at Keltys United Methodist Church, Lufkin, Texas. Prior to the funeral service, there will be an interment at Garden of Memories Memorial Park, Lufkin, Texas at 2:30 PM
