Jean Byrd Winstead

Jean was born on January 10, 1925, in the Calypso, NC community, to Thomas Winfield Byrd and Minnie Reaves Byrd. She had many happy memories of growing up on the family farm.

Jean married her childhood sweetheart, O.J. (Jack) Winstead in 1947 after Jack’s return from the Pacific following World War II. They moved to Cary, NC that same year and began their journey together. Their only child, Jeff, was born in 1951. Jack died unexpectedly in 1968 and Jean remained faithful to him for the rest of her life.

Jean had an abiding faith in the Lord. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Cary where she served in numerous capacities. In later years, she became a member of Greenwood Forest Baptist Church and enjoyed the fellowship of the JOY Sunday School class.

Jean faced many health challenges throughout her life. She met each obstacle with inner strength, perseverance, and steadfast faith. Even in her convalescence, she maintained her dignity and her wonderful sense of humor. Jean had a straightforward candor and innate wisdom that brought many seeking her perspective and guidance to her door.

She was employed by the State of North Carolina DOT until her retirement in 1990. Her retirement years were filled with the joy her three grandchildren brought her and her devotion to them.

Jean is survived by her son Jeff Winstead and wife Mary; three grandchildren, Jackie Mills and husband Ryan, Adam Winstead, and Mary Scott Winstead all of Raleigh; a sister, Bobbie Poole and husband R.G. (Red) of Cary. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends whose company she cherished, especially in her later years.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her three sisters, Elizabeth Byrd, Sara Jane Kornegay, and her identical twin sister, June Byrd Grimes.

Jean’s family sincerely appreciates the many acts of kindness and love shown by the caregivers at Sunrise of Raleigh. The family also wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Transitions Life Care for their unwavering compassion.

A memorial celebration will be held at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church, 110 SE Maynard Road, Cary N.C. on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 2 PM. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM at the church. Burial will follow the service at Brier Creek Memorial Gardens, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Greenwood Forest Baptist Church Endowment Fund, 110 SE Maynard Rd., Cary, NC 27511, or to Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh and Maynard Rd., Cary.