Jean was born into a family of seven children in Childress Texas, January 4, 1934, and passed away in Phoenix AZ, on September 9, 2022, surrounded by her children, Angela and Tres Winius.
Jean graduated from Childress High School in 1952. Jean worked for the Childress, Texas Chamber of Commerce during her junior and senior years. After graduation, Jean moved to Washington DC and served as secretary to Congressman Walter Rogers for five years. She also worked for the 1964 presidential campaign for Lyndon B Johnson. During her time in Washington, she was named Miss Capitol Hill, having previously represented Childress, TX in the Miss Wheatheart celebration.
Jean moved to Phoenix and was a legal secretary, when she met and married Walter Winius, Jr., in February 1962. They had four children, Walter “Tres” Winius, III and twin John Winius, the latter deceased at childbirth. Later Andrea Jean Winius (deceased October 2019) and Angela Carol Winius would join the family. Jean was involved in charitable efforts, and enjoyed entertaining and playing tennis with friends at Paradise Valley Country Club. Jean and Walt divorced in 1978.
At various times of her life, she put others ahead of herself took care of her siblings, generously supported her brother Louis and his son, ‘Little Louis’ in Childress. She moved from Phoenix to Lewisville, TX in 1984 to be with her sister, Gayle to help her run her dress shop while Gayle’s husband, Billy Gibson, was dying from cancer. Jean helped her sister, Bonnie Jo, and stayed with her the last several years of Bonnie Jo’s life.
Jean was kind, generous and loving. Everyone in the family adored her. Always fun to be around, her smile was infectious and her laughter unforgettable. She was affectionately nicknamed ‘Myrtle’ by her brothers and sisters. She was also the “Cool Mom” who was loved by the kids who came into her orbit.
Jean was quick to forgive, never held a grudge. She took the sadness in her life, understood it, accepted it as God’s will and moved on. She will be remembered as a beloved sister, aunt, mother, friend and a true joy to all who knew her. We were very lucky to have had Jean as our mother. She will be missed always.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM, Saturday, October 29, 2022, in the Chapel at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 East McDonald Drive, PV, AZ 85253. A small reception will follow. Please RSVP to Tres or Angie via phone, text, email or social media so that we may plan accordingly. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Susie
Definitely the coolest mom…We were so blessed to have her in our lives. God broke the mold when she came into this world She will deeply missed by so many We all learned about how to be kind and classy by herRest In Peace Momma Jean
Lori Watts
Ang and Tres,
Sending warm love and support for your loss. I have always loved you all and am so grateful for the kindness and love Jean always gave to me over many years.
Blessings to you all,
Lori
Sheryl Alstrin
I can still hear her laugh – sweet, sweet momma Winius. I’m sending you and your family lots of love and light, Angie and Tres. I know here light will continue to shine in both of you.