Winifred Rae Winston
November 10, 1947 - February 20, 2005
Obituary
Obituary
Winifred Rae Winston affectionately called Renee, the daughter of the late Hawthorne Zuber, Sr. and Ann Zuber was born in Bremerton, Washington, November 10, 1947, and departed this life February 20, 2005. She was baptized at Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church in 1960 in Bremerton, Washington.
Winifred was an entrepreneur and a very diverse and talented woman. After graduating early from high school with honors, she volunteered to work with seniors at the local hospital and began a modeling career. She later joined the US Air Force in October 1971. She began her military career as a Personnel Specialist, and specialized as a Military Training Instructor. She then moved into the position of Information Management Specialist/Career Advisor and Recruiter. After 24 years of service, in 1995 she retired with numerous awards and honors. During her military career she received a variety of training and experience that supplied her with a very rich and diverse background. While in the military she obtained experience that enriched her background in management, career counseling and customer service. Winifred then transferred these skills into the civilian workforce by acquiring employment with the State of Washington. She worked in various positions within the state’s employment system, which included working as a Job Service Specialist, Social Service Counselor, LAN Administrator and Information Technology Systems Specialist.
As she became more intrigued with computer systems she elected to continue her undergraduate studies and ultimately received her Bachelor of Science Degree in E Business Administration in February 2003. While working vigorously on obtaining her degrees, she decided it was time to work on entering the business world and establishing a business that was her ultimate dream. Her first business, Hawthorne-Winston & Associates, was acquired to gain contracts for marketing/advertising. While working as the CEO she obtained a contract with the Washington State Lottery, making her business the first black-owned business to obtain a contract from the Washington State Lottery. She subsequently created a business that now sells novelty items. All of this makes her sound busy, but these are not the only projects that she managed. She not only maintained her businesses, but on numerous occasions she assisted others in sustaining their businesses, all while continuing her higher education. She maintained skills in public relations, advertising and communication.
Her hobbies were sewing, knitting, crocheting, playing racquetball, reading, horseback riding, photography, dancing, swimming and tennis. She will receive a Master’s Degree in Business Management posthumously in June 2005, from the University of Phoenix.
Winifred was a dedicated wife, and an amazing, mother, grandmother and was devoted to her family.
She leaves to mourn her loss her loving mother Ann Zuber; 3 children, William Laura Winston, Martina Sean Woods and Stacy Winston; siblings, Melvin Porter, Sandra Zuber-Bowers, Harriet Zuber and Hawthorne Zuber, Jr.; 5 grandchildren, Liam Calloway, Jalen Winston, Leila Woods, Ciara Calloway and Tegan Calloway. She also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
May God be with you..
“Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows. It empties today of its strength…
Winifred was a true treasure and will be remembered for a number of fine qualities. She helped organize and recruit for the newly formed “Wall to Wall” unit of Local 378 of the Washington Federation of State Employees – American Federation of State, Municipal and County Employees. She also was trained as a shop steward. Winifred had a burning passion for justice and fair play and that is what endeared her to me and what I will remember most. Local 378 will miss her energy.
Winifred was very professional and quite accomplished in her career. She strived to provide the very best service.
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We have been shocked by and grieve her passing. We will truly miss Winifred.
Sincerely,
Marsha Gresham
and sisters and brothers of Local 378
My deepest sympathies on your loss
May God continue to keep your family as they go through this season of life.
God Bless,
The Arms family
I will always love you Winny!
Rest In Peace lovely lady. Just realized you passed. You were such a great resource and friend back in 1994 when I needed assistance through Washington State Dept of Labor.