Winnell Christian, age 88, passed away peacefully on August 31st, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones at the ProMedica Ebeid Hospice in Toledo, Ohio.
Born on March 12th, 1935, in Sparks, Georgia to the union of Lewis Johnson and Arzenia Sims (Edith).
Winnell was a devoted Jehovah witness, who brought boundless joy and laughter into the world from the very beginning with her spunky and witty personality. She graduated from high school in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1953. Winnell later pursued her passion of caring for others by obtaining her Certification as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant. For several years, she worked as a dedicated and certified nursing assistant, finding fulfillment in helping those in need.
In 1961, Winnell was united in marriage with Robert Lee Christian, their connection was immediate and inseparable. Winnell and Robert were married for over 29 years, and their union blessed them with two children, Stephanie (affectionately known as "Bonnie") and Robert "Allen".
Winnell was not only a fiercely dedicated mother to her children but also a source of inspiration and guidance, instilling in them the importance of family above all else. Her dedication to her family was unwavering. Her loss has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her loved ones.
Winnell was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Lee Christian, mother Arzenia Sims, father, Lewis Johnson, grandmother, Mattie Massey, and her grandson Tyrone Patterson Jr. ("Teedi")
She is survived by her daughter Stephanie S. Pettaway (Ora III), son Robert A. Christian (Angela), her sisters Lona Mae (Eugene) Paschal, Deloris (Mark) Simmons, her cherished grandchildren: Johnathan (Shayna) Duke, Toya (Dominique) Reed, Donovan (Serena) Christian, Maurockus Coley, River Christian, Crimson Christian, Dontae Pettaway, Demetres Pettaway, and Dominique Pettaway and "Great grands": Tyrone E. Patterson III, Alyssa M. Reed, Prentiss Christian, Jace T. Duke, Chase A. Reed, Arzena C. Christian, Daisylynn C. Pettaway. She is also survived by many other close family and friends.
Winnell Christian's legacy of love, dedication, and the importance of family will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she touched, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A visitation will be held for Winnell from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home - Southwest Chapel at 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614.
A funeral service will directly follow at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home - Southwest Chapel at 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614.
Winnell will be laid to rest at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.