Velma Winston

Velma began her life’s journey. She was the second child for Robert and

Edna. Her brother Robert preceded her in death. A vivacious and energetic

child with a voice and adventurous spirit, Velma grew up in Inwood, NY

along with Shirley and Rhea as sisters. They went to the Lawrence Public

Schools and attended the United Methodist Church in Inwood, NY and first

Baptist Church of Far Rockaway, NY. Upon graduating high school, Velma

attended Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C. After graduating from Bennett

College, she remained in N.C. where she met and later married John Wilbur

Winston. In 1954 she and John moved to Wyandanch, NY with her mother

where they raised their two children Patti Ann and Marshall. Velma worked

as a social worker for Suffolk County until her interest sparked for teaching.

An alumna of Bennett College, she continued her graduate studies at CW

Post and Hofstra and upon completion began teaching for the Wyandanch

School District in 1964. During her years in education, Velma taught

elementary school, grades 1-5, and Adult classes in the Wyandanch School

District. Velma emphasized high standards for her students and was a

community activist participating with the Wyandanch Coalition promoting

community development. She was a huge advocate for education and made

several donations to the Wyandanch Library. In recognition of her

accomplishments, she received several awards from the Town of Babylon and Wyandanch School

District. She was a poetry writer and had her book of poems published in the

early 1990’s. She was the choir director for Martin Luther King Elementary School

and every year, she and her students performed Christmas shows for the

community. Velma was an educator for 31 years until taking ill in 1996. From

that time on, resided in West Babylon with her son Marshall and his family.

Velma Fischer Winston leaves to mourn her passing and to continue her

legacy, her sister – Shirley Crittenden, her daughter – Patti Ann Springs, son -

Marshall Winston Sr., daughter-in-law Candra Winston, son-in-law - Minister

Robert Springs Jr., three granddaughters – Maredna Bullard, Davawn Bullard and

Dyonna Winston, one grandson – Marshall Winston Jr., two great granddaughters

– Aaliyah Rochford and Dakota Finney, one brother-in-law – James Crittenden,

along with a host of relatives and friends.