VANCE ROMMELL WINSTON, 54
Vance Rommell Winston of Phoenix, Arizona was granted his angel wings on December 27, 2020 passing away suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack caused by a blood clot.
As per usual, showered with love in his final days during the holidays, Vance was hugged virtually and in-person by family and friends whom he had touched in large ways and small ways throughout his short, yet very memorable, life.
Vance was a treasured son, a loving, warm, and wonderful brother, a favorite uncle, a great mentor, and a most dearly beloved and caring friend as well as a fantastic devoted father to his beautiful kids/dogs – Grace, Shogun, Yankee…and the late Samurai. He was a creative, talented, loving, funny, and a powerful soul that brought light into so many people’s hearts. He was truly a beautiful person.
His life was too short, but those who were touched by him have come to understand that the quality of his existence in many ways exceeds the quantity of time during which he lived. His kindness, warmth, humor , and brilliant smile, brought so much joy and light to our family and to his many friends.
He was born February 1, 1966, in Pomona, California to George and Brenda Winston.
He attended Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California where he excelled in mathematics and played fierce football. He continued his education at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona where he graduated earning (2) AA degrees: Associate of Applied Science and an Associate of General Studies – He also procured Certifications in Basic Business and another in Hazardous Material.
A talented self-taught musician mastering guitar and keyboards, Vance loved writing songs and performing music . As lead guitarist for several years in the Christian heavy metal band, Crimson Storm, he is immortalized in live stage performances and via beautiful songs he wrote, including “Darkest of Rain”. Additionally, he utilized his mathematical acumen working as a sales investor in the stock market over the last year.
Vance reminded us of the preciousness of life. Gregarious and neighborly, he could spend hours chatting with his neighbors in the cool of the evening in his favorite chair in front
of his home while taking a moment to relax and to share his starlit soul, engaging with and staying close to those he cared for and loved so much.
Vance is survived by his proud father, George B. Winston, Jr. of Southern California; …5 loving siblings, sisters Vivika, Marla, Lia, Kiva and brother Rion ; favorite nieces and nephews Sean, Porscha, Pia, Cameron… adored kids/dogs Grace, Shogun, Yankee.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Brenda Winston.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Phoenix Humane Society
Cheryl McAfee
To my dear sweet family, I know this is a very difficult time. I wish I could be there with you physically. My heart and my prayers go out to each of you. May all of your precious memories together with Vance bless you and put a smile upon your face, and give you peace. I hope all of your wonderful memories with Vance will warm your hearts and bless your paths forever. Love, Always, your cousin and niece – Cheryl McAfee
Valerie M. Winston Scott
Lil CUZIN, this is CUZIN Valerie. It was just to long for us and once we were back in touch it made my day, I still have the video you sent me and will cherish it forever. May you RIP, love always CUZIN…
Thomas Harrell
From Tauhme (Tommy) your brother from another mother… Couple years ago I found out that Vance lived here in Arizona, I contacted Vance and we had breakfast at Denny’s, myself and his wife. It was great to see him and the man that he had become, It was great to see him and the man that he had become… After that, me and Vance corresponded on Facebook, casually… After reading over the
obituary I found that we had a lot in common and wished we could have spent more time together And would have enjoyed seeing him perform. My heart goes out to all of you, God-bless you!!!
Sara Miller/Jacobsen
I first met Vance when I was probably 6 years old- as he was working with my dad in Nevada, and they became good friends. As a kid I was struck by his kindness and joy, I loved when he stopped by or stayed with our family. Even though his time in Nevada ended up being difficult, I never lost my admiration for him- his happiness was contagious. After he went away, I would write him letters and fill them with glitter, because as a kid I figured it would make him happy when he opened them- really he was probably left with a mess! I was in high school the last time we saw Vance- we took him to dinner and it was so good to see him, his spirit, and his faith in God. I can only hope he has been able to visit with my dad Gary up in heaven- I’m sure the old friends will be sharing some laughs.
Linda Miller
RIP Vance! You were a kind and caring friend. We lost contact after that dinner in Reno. Can never forget your bigger than life presence, your huge smile, contagious laughter, positive attitude and faith in God. We lost Gary on October 7, 2019. I sure hope you two have been reunited in heaven!