WINSTEAD

Julia S. Winstead, 93, died September 17, 2025 at her residence in the Teloga Community of Summerville, GA, surrounded by family.

Ms. Winstead was born February 25, 1932 in Pantego, NC. She was the daughter of the late Herman G. Shavender and Sadie Rae Shavender. In addition to her mother and father, she was predeceased by her younger sister, Sylvia Coltrain, and brother in-laws Jimmie Coltrain and Billy Baynor.

Mrs. Winstead is survived by her sister, Martha Baynor; her sons, E. Grey (Faye) Winstead, III and David R. Winstead; and, a daughter, Cynthia (Michael) Stephens. Julia has four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Julia married her childhood sweetheart, Ellis. They fell in love at the tender age of 7 (Ellis) and 6 (Julie). They often told the story of how Julie would ride on the handlebars of Ellis's bike in the little town of Belhaven, North Carolina, where they were raised. They remained sweethearts through their school years until they married in 1952 and began raising their family.

Before moving with Ellis to their son’s farm in Summerville in 2003, Julia worked in a number of industries, mostly in administrative capacities, including a rural electric authority and a regional fabric company. She always enjoyed working with fellow employees and clients. She never met a stranger. Many remembered her affectionately long after her retirement. The thing she loved most was spending time with family and friends and sharing outdoor adventures like camping, boating, fishing and water skiing. No matter the activity, she was always sharing her love. In her later years, when outdoor activities became more of a challenge, her love of gardening always provided plants to share with visitors.

As the daughter of a Christian minister, who was also a farmer, school teacher, taxidermist and carpenter, and as the wife of an engineer, who was also a financial planner, woodworker and electronics hobbyist, she was a natural renaissance woman, never afraid to take on a new challenge and never afraid to share the love of Christ with those around her. She lived life to the fullest as a loving, Christian mother. She loved her community of friends and her church family at Beersheba. Most of all she loved the only sweetheart of her life, her husband of 69 years, Ellis, who passed in 2021. She will be greatly missed by all who came to know her. In her final days, she spoke of the joy she was about to find in reuniting with the love of her life and the joy of finally being in the presence of her Savior.

The Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial and celebration of life services will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Beersheba Presbyterian Church, 9977 Hwy 337, Summerville, GA 30747.