Elihue Winters

Obituary For Elihue Winters

Elihue Winters was born in Weir, Mississippi. He was the first child of eight children born to the late Ruthie Cunningham-Winters and Matthew Winters on March 2, 1933. From an early age, He accepted Christ as his savior, was baptized, and grew up in Fancy Hill Church in Weir, Mississippi. Elihue graduated from Kosciusko High School in 1952 where she met the love of his life Alice Austin-Winters.

After graduating from Kosciusko High School, he was offered a Full Basketball Scholarship to Jackson State University, but he declined the offer to jump start his family instead. Elihue joined the Army and swerved two years in Seattle Washington. While in Seattle, Elihue sent a handwritten letter to Alice's father asking for her hand in marriage. After completing his two years in service, he returned home to Kosciusko to marry the love of his life on May 7, 1955. It has been told that the two married on a Wednesday and moved to Evanston, IL that following Saturday to begin their family together. Elihue and Alice enjoyed 69 years of marriage and to this union four children were born: Alice Gwendolyn “Gwen” Winters, Eileen Ruth Winters-Walker, Elihue “Eddie” Winters Jr., and Karen Lynn Winters. His daughter Eileen and son Eddie preceded him in death.

While in Evanston, IL, Elihue worked for the City of Evanston for 35 years. He and his family were active of Second Baptist Church in Evanston, IL. Elihue never lost his love for country living, farm animals and gardening. After retiring from the city, he decided to move back to Mississippi and get back to work, but this time on his farm. Elihue and Alice returned to Kosciusko in 1992 after Elihue's retirement. He became an active member of Mt. Cana Missionary Baptist Church. His life-long devotion to serving God led him to become a deacon at Mt. Cana Missionary Baptist Church.

Elihue had many interests that he loved sharing with others, like tending to his cows, gardening, and reading books and the daily paper, working through crossword puzzles. Elihue also had a dep passion for farm animals. He loved his family and would travel near and far to visit his family. He always checked on his family and made sure to make every family reunion.

Elihue was a pilar in our family and within the community. He was a very kind soul with a giving spirit. One of the things said most often by more recent friends is that they felt like they'd known him forever. Elihue was a hardworking man and took care of everyone. He was a man with no limits and wouldn't take “no” for an answer. Elihue lived 91 years full of family, love, adventure and so much more. Elihue's kind smile and physical presence will be missed but it is now time for him to rest with the Lord.

Elihue joins his Children, Elihue “Eddie” Winters Jr., Eileen Ruth Winters-Walker, and Son-in-law, Lee Walker; Parents, Ruthie Cunningham-Winters and Matthew Winters. Woodrow “Woody” Winters and Mozell Winters-McGauley.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife, Alice Winters; Daughters, Gwen Winters and Karen Lynn Winters; Son, Corey Allen Winters; Grandchildren, Allison Elaine Payne and Austin Gregory Winters; Great-grandchildren, Alyssa Nicole Winters and Ellie Islah Russell; Sisters, Doris Winters-Grant, Rosetta Winters-Richardson; Brother, James Samuel “Sammy” Winters, along with a host of ieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church members and friends.

PLACE OF SERVICE: MT. Canna Baptist Church, Kosciusko, MS

DATE OF SERVICE: Friday 6/28/2024 at 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: Hawthorne Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

VIEWING: Thursday 6/27/2024 at 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.