Obituary of Esther R Winston

Esther R. Winston, daughter of the late Belle Butler and Peter Griffin was born August 17, 1917 in Boydton, Virginia. She attended the Boydton, Virginia public school system. At a young age Esther accepted the Lord and was baptized at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Boydton, Virginia. She moved to North Carolina where she met and married the love of her life, Owen Winston. From that union, they were blessed with five children: (Late) Thomas Edward, Hannah, Mary, (Late) Alfred Mitchell and Shirley. The family later moved to Cinnaminson, New Jersey to a farm and after years of hard work, in 1960 acquired their beautiful home in Palmyra, New Jersey. Mom took great pride in making sure her house and yard was impeccable. For many years Esther did domestic work as she continued to raise her young sons; Allen, Willie and Carl Mahan. She loved to garden and provide food for the birds and cats. She made sure theywere fed daily. She also enjoyed cooking and was an expert in frying chicken and making sweet potato pie. Throughout the years, Esther was known as “Nana”, “Mom Winston” and everyone’s “Aunt Esther.” She had her own unique way of getting her grandchildren, especially Bryan, to get her anything she needed. She used her unique way to get what she wanted from whom she wanted! Upon moving to New Jersey, Esther and her husband joined First Baptist Church, Riverside, New Jersey. They attended services there for many years. They later joined Macedonia Baptist Church, Beverly, New Jersey on Sunday, March 13, 1972, under the pastorate of Rev. George Shaffer. Esther loved the Lord; she was a dedicated member and was greatly admired by her church family. She was known as “Ms. Lady of Fashion,” as she always wore beautiful suits with beautiful hats to match her attire. During her early years at Macedonia, she was a dedicated member of the Kitchen Committee as she loved cooking. She attended regularly until her health failed. When she could no longer attend, she faithfully sent in her tithes at the beginning of every quarter. On Friday, December 16, 2016, after 99 years and 4 months on this earth, the Lord came and triumphantly guided Esther home. Esther R. Winston was what the Bible speaks of in Proverbs 31; a virtuous woman. Praise be to God! Esther was predeceased by her husband, Deacon Owen Winston, three sons; Thomas Winston, Alfred Winston and Allen Mahan; one sister; Etta Butler; two brothers; George Butler and Henry Butler and a nephew Louis Butler. This mighty warrior of God who was most humble in her service, leaves to cherish many fond memories; three daughters; Hannah Lindsay (Carlton); Mary Hawkins (Nelson); Shirley Hardy (Lou); two sons; Willie Mahan (Emily) and Carl Mahan (Deirdre), niece Corene, nephew Henry (Sheila), numerous grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins and friends.