Winsome "Winnie" E. Black

Winsome “Winnie” Elaine Black passed away peacefully on September 20th, 2018 surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Thompson Town, Clarendon on the beautiful island of Jamaica, to her beloved parents, Icerene and Wellesley McKenzie. She was the youngest of their four children. It was clear, even from a tender age, that Winsome was the epitome of selflessness; she strived to better the lives of those around her. Winsome wouldn’t hesitate to give the very shirt off her back to those in need. Residents of Thompson Town credit her as a provider in the community. This spirit followed her into the next chapter of her life, where she attended and graduated from the Shortwood Teachers’ College and entered into the field of languages. However, she went on to teach lessons far beyond the classroom to everyone she met. Upon arriving in America, she accepted a position with a newspaper in Manhattan. Her career then took her from New York to Greenwich, CT, where she gained a second family. It was with this family that she lived abroad in Europe, before returning to the States to begin a career as a successful mortgage broker. She touched the lives of those she sold homes to, many of whom are a part of her church family at The House of Restoration Church of God. There, she took on roles such as Treasurer and Girls’ Club Coordinator, but she was more affectionately known as Sis. Black. Though she loved all of her work, her heart remained with the teacher sentiment of attentive care. In recent years, she transitioned from real estate to Geriatrics, where she pursued and received a certificate in Geriatric Care Management. With the gracious help of her friend, Cynthia Ingraham, she completed her life’s objective of giving back to those she loved by rebuilding her childhood basic school in Thompson Town. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the atmosphere reflected the giving nature and humble spirit that Winsome exuded throughout her life. Numbers 6:26 was a verse dear to her heart and one that she wished upon others. “The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” She loved God, she loved her friends and she loved her family.

Winsome is survived by husband of 26 years, Franklyn Black, her son, Leon Wilson, and two daughters, Nicole and Katrina Black as well as two brothers, Clarence and Denzel McKenzie and a granddaughter, Kyla Wilson. She is preceded in death by her father (Wellesley McKenzie), mother (Icerene McKenzie) and brother (Bevan McKenzie).

The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 28th, at 1PM at the Union Baptist Church located at 805 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905. Followed immediately by a Celebration of Life in the Union Baptist Fellowship Hall. The burial service will be held at Thompson Town Baptist Church in Thompson Town, Clarendon in Jamaica on Saturday, October 13th, 2018.