Deacon Johnny Albert Winsley, Sr.

"Mom Boy" Mr. Johnny Albert Winsley, Sr., was born on November 28, 1930, in Langford, Mississippi. He was the youngest of eight children born to the late Fred "Fed" and Bertha "Birdie" Hoard Winsley. Johnny joined True Vine Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized at the age of 6. He loved his parents dearly but held a special bond with his mother, who served as the church's first secretary. At her encouragement, he attended Piney Woods Country Life School, where he met the love of his life, Edna Ruth Thompson Winsley. In 1951, Johnny's education was interrupted when he was drafted as a tanker in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving 21 months with honor and distinction. Upon returning in 1953, he worked faithfully as a bulldozer operator for the City of Jackson and married his beloved "Edna Ruth" in June 1954. Johnny later returned to school and obtained his Bachelor of Religious Education from Mississippi Baptist Seminary in 1961. He retired from the City of Jackson in 1991 after 38 years of dedicated service. "Deacon Winsley" Johnny remained a faithful and active member of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church throughout his life. He began serving in 1964 as the musician for Sunday School, and his love for helping children led him to transport many young people to church and play for the Sunbeam Choir. In 1970, Johnny volunteered as the Sunday School Class #9 teacher and was ordained as a deacon in 1974. Under the leadership of the late Henry Ward, he was selected to serve as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry in 1975. Johnny remained dedicated to the Sunday School Ministry and served as Assistant Superintendent beginning in 1987. Over the years, he faithtully served as Assistant Superintendent for more than 27 years, Chairman of the Deacons for 30 years, and as a musician for more than 60 years until his health declined. His ministry touched countless lives and his dedication to God's work never wavered. "Uncle Boy" or "Uncle Johnny" Johnny cherished his family deeply, both blood relatives and extended family. He had more than 50 biological nieces and nephews and gained 16 more by marriage. Over the years, he would load many of them into his vehicle to transport them to church and Sunday School, always ensuring that everyone in his presence was well-fed and cared for. In 1977, Johnny worked with his late uncle, Albert Hoard, to establish the Winsley Family Reunion, where he served as Chairman until his health declined. At its peak, the reunion welcomed more than 600 family members to his home to share a meal and celebrate the bonds of family. His commitment to keeping the family together was unwavering and created a legacy of unity that continues today. "Mr. Johnny" Johnny was deeply committed to serving his community. In 1956, he joined the M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge and became Worshipful Master for his local chapter in 1987. Johnny volunteered courageously during the civil rights movement to assist people in their fight for equality and served as a poll worker from 1960 to 1994, helping to ensure every voice was heard. In 2002, he volunteered to serve on the board of the Langford Water Association until 2023, ensuring his community had access to clean water. He also visited the elderly at nursing homes to play music for the mission ministry from 2009 until 2020, bringing joy and comfort to those in their final years. "Johnny" & "Papa" Throughout his life, Johnny had a passion for photography and enjoyed capturing precious moments with his cameras. He preserved memories of love, laughter, and family gatherings for generations to cherish. As "Papa," he was a source of wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether teaching them life lessons, sharing stories of the past, or simply spending quality time together, Johnny created memories that will be treasured forever. Preceded in Death Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Fred "Fed" and Bertha "Birdie" Hoard Winsley; his seven silings, Mary Grant, Elizabeth (Lee David) McKee, Lillie Winsley, David Lee (Lucille) Winsley, Moses (Arlee) Winsley, Fred (Helen) Winsley, and Minnie (Johnnie) Anderson; and two daughters, Jocelyn Winsley Kashmere and Joel Aniece Winsley. Survivors He leaves to cherish his loving memories: his devoted wife of 71 years, Edna Winsley of Brandon, Mississippi; his son, Johnny Winsley Jr. of Brandon, Mississippi; six grandchildren, Shalonda Winsley of Brandon, Mississippi, Jason Winsley of Dearborn, Michigan, Johnny (Alescia) Winsley III of Orlando, Florida, DeAngela Winsley of Brandon, Mississippi, Joshua Winsley of Brandon, Mississippi, and Kathryn Winsley of Memphis, Tennessee; 10 great-grandchildren, Asia Winsley, Jakyrius Thomas, Allen Perry, Kameryn Winsley, Kameron Winsley, Johnny Winsley IV, Kaleah Hall, Jasen Winsley, Josiah Winsley, and Jayce Winsley; and a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. A Life Well Lived Mr. Johnny Albert Winsley, Sr., lived a life of unwavering faith, selfless service, and boundless love for his family and community. His legacy of devotion to God, dedication to his church, and commitment to uplifting others will continue to inspire all who knew him. From the church pews to family reunions, from Sunday School classrooms to community service, Johnny's life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and dedication. Though he has transitioned from labor to reward, his spirit lives in the countless lives he touched through his music, ministry, and compassionate heart. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts. Well done, thy good and faithful servant. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS The family requests that memorial contributions be made in honor of Mr. Johnny Albert Winsley, Sr., to: Piney Woods Country Life School P.O. Box 209 Piney Woods, Mississippi 39148 Or donate online at: www.pineywoods.org Your generous contributions will support the institution that held a special place in Johnny's heart and where he began his journey with his beloved wife, Edna.

Deacon Johnny Albert Winsley, Sr.

November 28, 1930 - November 29, 2025