Barbara Rose (Smith) Winston

Barbara or “Smitty” as she was affectionately called growing up, was born in Washington DC on September 1, 1936 to the late Harold Charles and Helen (Hyson) Smith. She was preceded in death by her only sibling, Harold Charles Smith Jr.

Barbara attended the prestigious Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Washington DC and graduated with a Bachelors degree in sociology from Penn State University. There she met her husband of 58 years, Richard D. Winston and together they raised their four children as they relocated between Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and role model to all who knew her, Barbara took great pride in raising her family who were always a priority in her life. With a strong emphasis on education she focused on providing a solid foundation and a culturally rich environment in order for her children to thrive.

An avid reader, tennis enthusiast and incredibly proficient student of English and grammar Barbara was always a well informed, interesting and interested conversationalist. She was a natural leader not only within her community but also as a respected social worker, educator, business woman and entrepreneur. Barbara served on several boards, including the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries. She was also co-chair of the Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School Alumni Association for the class of 1954. In addition Barbara and Richard were awarded the Service to Society Award, which was presented by the College of the Liberal Arts Alumni society in 1989 from Penn State University. Barbara was an active member of the Penn State University Alumni where she served on the Alumni Council, from 1990 – 1995. Later, while living in Dayton Ohio she also served as a board member for the School of Professional Psychology at Wright State University, where she was named a Board member emeritus.

She was a proud alumna member of the Washington DC chapter of the Links Inc. and lead many of the initiatives in their charter. Barbara was also a loved and respected member of the D.A.M.E.S a local social organization where she earned the love and admiration of her fellow group members. Barbaras’s influence was impactful despite her unassuming approach to service without expectations of accolades or rewards.

Barbara was a practicing social worker, both professionally as well as in her personal life. Always willing to share honest, straight forward advice and counsel, delivered with diplomacy and a sense of humor. She later, with her husband owned and operated McDonald restaurants in Detroit, Michigan and Dayton, Ohio. Barbara was a true pioneer and trail blazer everywhere she went. She touched so many with her wisdom, kindness and generosity of spirit. She was admired by neighbors, co-workers and friends and so loved by all that had the privilege to know her.

She leaves wonderful memories to be cherished by her husband; Richard D. Winston, her four children; Richard D. Winston Jr. (Bernastine Caffee Winston), Karen Winston Wilson (Paul Wilson), Todd S. Winston, Randall M. Keenan Winston (Michael Keenan Winston); Grandchildren; Della M. Wilson, Lauren M. Winston, Spencer Keenan Winston, Marlo Keenan Winston and many other relatives and friends. She will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love, prayers and support shown to us in honor of Barbara. We are deeply grateful.

A memorial service will be held Saturday June 25, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Joseph Gawler Sons LLC, Joseph E. Hagar Memorial Chapel, 5130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington DC

For online condolences and information please visit: www.josephgawlers.com

In lieu of flowers charitable giving in Barbara’s memory may be directed to the Lupus Foundation of America at http://lupus.donorpages.com/Raise4Lupus/BarbaraWinston