Sarah Winder

Sarah Elizabeth Winder was born on October 7, 1917, in Warwick County, Virginia to her parents, W. H. Winder and Cecy V. DeShields Winder. She was raised surrounded by her sisters, Annie Mae, Ada and Gertrude. She received her early education by attending the local public schools. Her parents and her sisters preceded her in death. Sarah accepted the Lord as her personal savior when in her early teens. She was baptized in Emmanuel Baptist Church and has been a faithful and dedicated member her entire life. She often told the story that she was led to Christ as the choir sang, "My Heart Turned to Jesus, I Must Go." Over the years, she has served her church and the Lord as a member of the Willing Workers, the Midweek Prayer Service, the Sunday School and the Senior's Organization. She was a devout Christian woman, who strongly believed in the Bible. In the book of Exodus, we find this recorded 5th commandment, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you." Sarah cared and nurtured her father until his passing at the age of 96. She was a strong prayer warrior, and she, fervently believed in the power of prayer and having the right relationship with the Lord. Sarah was employed by Dallas and Nancy Frank for many years. She was hardworking, honest and dedicated. She retired in 1979. Sarah never had biological children but she loved and cared for Alvin L. Braswell; as her own, since he was seven years old. The love that the two of them shared was unconditional and unwavering. He affectionately referred to her as "his mama number two." They shared so many happy and memorable moments over the years. Later, that same love was extended to his wife, Carrie and their children, Gabrielle & Alvin, Jr. "A.J" as well their grandson, Alvin, III "Tre." Sarah was a fun loving woman who enjoyed life, family and those she encircled. In her free time, she loved studying the Bible, solving crossword puzzles, word search, reading her daily devotion and daily conversing with many of her neighbors and church family. In September of 2009, Sarah received a Proclamation from the City of Newport News, signed by the Mayor, which honored her for her Service to the Emmanuel House, help and dedication to Carver Elementary School, Voter Registration, the North Newport News Civic League and for Living an Exemplary Life. Her close companion, George E. Doswell preceded her in death. Sarah would want all her family and friends to remember her favorite scripture found in Psalm 139 verse 23, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties." To know Sarah was to love her. Sarah Elizabeth Winder departed this life to the Lord's embrace on February 5, 2014, in Newport News, Virginia. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her foster son, Alvin L. (Carrie) Braswell, Sr. of Aurora, Colorado; one nephew, Reverend James A. (Sylvia) Hudson, of Newport News, VA; four nieces, Nancy Joan Hudson of Newport News, VA, Shirley (Tommy) Reid of Bronx, New York, Pamela R. Harmon and Jacqueline H. (Edward, II) Williams all of Hampton, VA; her foster grandchildren, Gabrielle N. Braswell, Alvin L. Braswell, Jr.; her foster great grandson, Alvin L. Braswell, III all of Aurora, Colorado and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 2/11/2014 at 12:00 PM - Emmanuel Baptist Church - 521 North Ave. Newport News VA
Cemetery: Hampden Memorial Gardens - Hampton VA