Barbara Jean Winfrey

May 20, 1953 — February 26, 2018

Barbara Jean Jones Winfrey

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Revelation 14:13

Barbara Jean Jones Winfrey was born on May 20, 1953, to Julius and Mary Lou Harris Jones in Hughes, Arkansas. She professed her hope in Christ at an early age. Barbara grew up to be an intelligent and smart young lady. She was a 1971 graduate of Lincoln High School and Henderson State University where she earned a BS degree in Social Services

As a young woman full of life and wit, she met and married the handsome Alex Winfrey, Sr., on June 10, 1972. Their union was blessed with two sons, Lee and Michael. She loved her husband and was a devoted mother.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Nashville, Arkansas where she served dutifully as the First Lady; she found joy singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. She was always a willing worker for her church, family and community. Like her pastor-husband, Barbara was a Bible scholar in her own right and was never hesitant about sharing her faith and understanding of God’s word.

Her favorite team was the Razorbacks and she enjoyed the sounds and melodies of Marvin Gaye. Barbara did not believe in laziness; she wasn’t a fan of eating out and hated missing work. She was an impeccable housekeeper and would spend hours cleaning her home until she was satisfied. She was the owner of “Mossy Rock” in Gurdon for several years and her favorite flower was the yellow rose.

Barbara had a love and passion for people. She worked in social services as a social worker for over 20 years. Her professionalism and expertise made her most sought after for guidance and advice in social service. Barbara was invariably cheerful, patient and kind. She retired as a social worker with Courtyard Gardens in November 2017.

On Monday, February 26, 2018, the Lord closed her eyes and granted her rest. For 64 years she lived a faithful life with hope in Christ and a commitment to serve. Though we will miss her smiling presence, we will never forget her love. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Jerry Jones, Emmitt Jones and Julius Jones, Jr., and her beloved son, Michael Winfrey who passed into the Lord’s embrace on June 19, 2014.

Her shining light and her beautiful smile will be forever missed by her husband: Alex Winfrey, Sr., of Okolona, AR; her son, Alex “Lee” Winfrey, Jr., and his wife Julie of Arkadelphia, AR; an adopted daughter, Christy Winfrey of Little Rock, AR; six, grandchildren, Andrew Ridgell, Stephen Winfrey, Marcus Winfrey, Jaron Winfrey, Chase Winfrey and Christian Winfrey; five great-grandchildren, Tori Ridgell, Emma Ridgell, Angel Rigdell, Kristapher Ridgell and Gabriel McClenahan; three sisters, Patricia (Alfred) Davis of Forrest City, AR, Cassandra Jones of Forrest City, AR, and Sharon Daudu of Forrest City, AR; two brothers, Calvin (Lillie) Jones of Forrest City, AR and Kenneth Jones of Jonesboro, AR; two uncles, Walter Allen and Cliff Harris. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Antioch Baptist Church in the Richmond Hill Community at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Rufus Hatley, eulogist. Interment will be at Richmond Hill Cemetery.

It’s certainly true we bring nothing into this world and take nothing when we pass, but how we treat our fellow man is the only things that lasts. In the hearts of those whose lives we touch from our beginnings to our end, is the only mark we leave on earth to leave the paths we have been. So brothers and sisters, plan your destiny well, because what you leave in the hearts of others will let us know your legacy is well.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Public Visitation

Friday, March 2, 2018

12:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)

Williams Funeral Home

1517 Caddo St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

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Celebration of Life

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Antioch Baptist Church

1455 Hearn Rd, Arkadelphia, AR 71923