Clemmie Winston (née Williford) peacefully departed this life on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Racine, Wisconsin, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, compassion, and service to others.

Clemmie was born on September 19, 1936, in Widener, Arkansas, to the late Lennie Williford, Jr. and Annie Bell (née Johnson). She received her early education in the Widener, Arkansas public school system before continuing her education and earning a certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant through Gateway Technical College.

Caring for others was not simply Clemmie's profession—it was part of who she was. She devoted many years of service as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Ridgewood Care Center, where she lovingly cared for residents until her retirement. Her compassion extended far beyond the responsibilities of her job. Clemmie had a special place in her heart for residents who had little or no family support. She would often take their clothing home, wash and care for it, and return it to them. These quiet acts of kindness reflected the generosity, dignity, and genuine concern she showed to everyone entrusted to her care.

On February 5, 1960, Clemmie was united in marriage to the late Mr. James Ivory Winston in Chicago, Illinois. Together, they built a life and family rooted in love, companionship, perseverance, and devotion. Their union was one marked by shared experiences, commitment, and a partnership that endured throughout the years.

Clemmie was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Christ Chapel Church, where she found strength, fellowship, and purpose in serving God and others. Her presence and service became such a meaningful part of the church community that the church kitchen was affectionately named "Clemmie's Kitchen" in her honor—a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was characterized by hospitality, service, and love.

Earlier in life, Clemmie also enjoyed fellowship and sisterhood as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, embracing its values of service, integrity, charity, and community. As the years passed, she continued to pour her time and energy into the things she loved most: her church, her family, her home, and her community.

Clemmie took great pride in keeping her yard immaculate and beautiful. She enjoyed caring for her home and surroundings and found joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life. She also treasured the companionship of her beloved dog, Drizzy, who held a special place in her heart.

Above all, Clemmie was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her family was the center of her world, and the love she gave to them will remain an enduring part of her legacy.

Clemmie leaves to mourn and cherish her loving memory her four daughters: Pamela Washington (Wendall) of Jackson, Tennessee; Evelyn "Ann" Williams, wife of the late John Williams, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Arine "Lisa" Harrell (Kenneth) of Elizabethtown, Kentucky; and Jeanette Winston Johnson of Deltona, Florida; and her two sons, Javail "Terry" Winston (Winkie) and James "Tony" Winston, both of Racine, Wisconsin.

She also leaves a treasured legacy through her fourteen grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, and generations of family who were blessed to know her love.

She is further survived by her siblings: Fulton (Iris) Bell, Jr. of Racine, Wisconsin; Lennie Williford, John Williford, and Jeanette Hutchinson (Alfred), all of Madison, Arkansas; Gia Yeager; Thomas Williford (Michelle) of San Antonio, Texas; Marvin Williford of Rhode Island; Mary Mason of Marion, Missouri, Johnny May Lewis, and Step brother Cleveland (Mary) Corelius of Racine, Wisconsin, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended relatives, church family, and dear friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory her special friends, Mary Matin and Joyce Streeter.

Clemmie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Winston; her parents, Lennie Williford, Jr. and Annie Bell; her brothers, Leonard Williford and Samuel Williford; her sisters, Virginia Perry and Mattie Mae Williford; and her great-grandson, JaMarey Johnson.

Clemmie's life was one of quiet strength and extraordinary love. She cared for people when no one else was there to care for them. She served her church faithfully, nurtured her family wholeheartedly, and extended kindness without seeking recognition in return.

Her life reminds us that a meaningful legacy is not measured solely by accomplishments, but by the lives touched, the burdens lightened, the love given, and the kindness shown along the way.

Though her earthly journey has come to an end, Clemmie Winston's love, faith, generosity, and spirit of service will live on through every life she touched and every generation that follows her.

A homegoing celebration for Clemmie's life will take place on Friday September 4th at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home,  4600 County Line rd Mount Pleasant WI 53402,  The service will begin at 11:00 am and a visitation will be from 10:00 am until the start of the service. Directly following Clemmie's service she will be laid in her eternal resting place at West Lawn Memorial Park.

Service Details

  A homegoing celebration for Clemmie's life will take place on Friday September 4th at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home,  4600 County Line rd Mount Pleasant WI 53402.   

  The service will begin at 11:00 am and a visitation will be from 10:00 am until the start of the service.  

  Directly following Clemmie's service she will be laid in her eternal resting place at West Lawn Memorial Park.