Mother Annie Mae Jones Winfrey

Annie Mae Jones Winfrey, a faithful servant of God, devoted mother, community leader, and beloved matriarch, peacefully transitioned from this life on April 28, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born on April 23, 1938, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to the late Joseph Walton and Katherine Moore Walton. At a very early age, Annie Mae accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Newcastle, under the leadership of Reverend Nelson. Even as a child, her love for the Lord was evident, as she often spoke of beginning to sing at the tender age of four years old. Annie Mae was united in holy matrimony to Johnnie Lee Jones, and to this union five children were born. She later married Jessie L. Winfrey on October 18, 1970, and to this union four children were born. Through both unions, she built a strong and loving family that became the center of her life. Her spiritual journey continued as she later united with Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully under the leadership of Reverend E.A. Williams, Reverend Garland Miller, and most recently Pastor Leon Sims. Annie Mae was not just a member but a dedicated laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Mother Board member, deaconess, choir member, and choir president for many years. She was active in the mission ministry and faithfully taught early primary children for many years, instilling in them the Word of God. The Scripture reminds us in II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” and this was the testimony of Annie Mae Winfrey, a woman who loved the church, loved the Lord, and lived her life as a reflection of her faith. Annie Mae had a deep love for gospel music and was actively involved in the St. Francis Quartet Singing Union, where she faithfully served as secretary for many years. She was the oldest member and the proud founder of the Sensational Five, using her voice to uplift and inspire others. Her service extended beyond the church into the community, where she served for many years as an alderman for the City of Madison. She worked diligently for the people, stood firm in her convictions, held leadership accountable, and was known as a woman who stood on business and did what was right until her health began to fail. She was proud to be a part of Lincoln High School, Class of 1958. After high school, she began working at Warwick Electronics, Inc., later known as Sanyo Manufacturing Corporation, where she faithfully dedicated 33 years before retiring. Annie Mae enjoyed traveling, ministering to others in her neighborhood, and spending meaningful time with her children and grandchildren. She loved reading and writing and had a deep appreciation for Black history, often attending and participating in various Black history events. Above all, she loved anything that involved the Lord. She loved church, and she loved the Lord. As a mother, Annie Mae was strong, disciplined, and unwavering. She raised her children with strict guidance and high standards, instilling in them values that would carry them throughout their lives. Her love was firm yet purposeful, shaping generations to come. Annie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie L. Winfrey; her parents, Joseph Walton and Katherine Moore Walton; her grandparents, Ethel Nichols and Henry Moore; her sister, Mary Arlene Crawford; her brother, Marvin Walton; her aunts, Earlene Wright, Gerlene Nichols, and Claudia Mohammad; her nephew, Phil Crawford; her nieces, Angela Crawford and Vicky Sheppard; her son-in-law, Donnie Carter; her granddaughter, Sherry Carter; her special cousin, Abdul “Henry” Mohammad; her special friends, Fannie Ford, Christina Tabor, Aubrey Heard, Rosie and Amos Burgess, Lillie House, Lillie Johnson, Glenda Brown, William and Barbara Strong, Wilma Willis, and Jonathan Burgess; along with a host of other family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Russell Walton, Theopolis (Arlicia) Jones, Sharon Carter, Kim (Don) Wilson, Windy Williams, Stacy Jones, Merdis Jones, Gerard Jones, and Tarray Winfrey; her loving aunt, Helen Powell; and her bonus children, Patricia Gregory, Ivy Graham, Rocco Winfrey, Douglas Winfrey, Shelby (Loretta) Winfrey, Dexter (Roselyn) Winfrey, Francis (Chuck) Young, Deborah (Michael) Hughes, O.T. Jones, Carlos (Umeki) Deere, Carla Stewart, and Doreen Anderson. She leaves a legacy through her 16 grandchildren, O’Neal, Tyrone, Theopolis, Theopolis Dante, Kisha, Shekita, Donna, Ethel, LaToya (Broderick), Alecia (Octabion), Kanisha (Dione), Chris, Whitney (Taurus), Deterius (Arcyea), Tiffany, Taylor, and Timothy, Jr.; her bonus grandchildren, April, Kenisha, Keisha, Valencia, Dennis, and Kaya; 39 great-grandchildren; 19 bonus great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and 3 bonus great-great-grandchildren. She also held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly and was instrumental in helping raise, including Merlene, Don, Carter Ray, Victor, Dwight, Tisha, and Teresa; along with special friends, Royce Garrett and Bill (Elizabeth) Ray. Annie Mae also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends, including all those who lovingly played a part in caring for her throughout her life.

Mother Annie Mae Jones Winfrey

April 23, 1938 - April 28, 2026