Mrs. Leila Winder

Leila Victoria Holliday Winder began her purposeful earthly journey on August 22, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York. From an early age, she learned the value of strength, independence, and caring for both herself and others. Growing up in Brooklyn helped shape Vickie into the determined, no-nonsense woman so many came to know and respect. She was fearless, straightforward, unapologetic, one who took no mess, pulled no punches, and was fiercely protective of her family and friends.

In 1976, Vickie joyfully entered motherhood and worked tirelessly as a waitress and bartender to provide for her child. In the 1980s, seeking a calmer life for herself and her daughter, she moved from Brooklyn, New York, to Newport News, Virginia. There, she met the man who would become her best friend and loving husband, Gregory Winder.

Vickie spent decades in nursing, a calling that reflected her natural gift for caring for others. She also opened her heart and home as a foster parent, touching countless lives by helping children and supporting many young mothers and families. 

Faith was a cornerstone of Vickie’s life. She was faithfully committed to the Lord for over twenty years, was ordained as a Deacon, and devoted herself to serving God’s people. Her hospitality, love, and unwavering faith will always be remembered.

Above all, it was her faith that guided Vickie to love her family deeply and extended grace, forgiveness, and compassion to everyone—even those who stood against her.

She now rests eternally, reunited in heaven with her father, Bishop Walter Holliday; her mother, Evelyn Wright; her son, Gregory Winder Jr.; her siblings Paul Watkins, Steven Wright, Debra Reeves, Ann Holliday, Evelyn “Rita” Holliday, and Cherise Alston; and her sister-in-law, Debra Winder.

Left to cherish and continue her life, love, and legacy are her devoted husband, Gregory Winder; her beloved daughter, Lanise (Aaron) Jones; and her cherished grandchildren: Andre (Alexis) Holliday, Takari Highsmith, Kerria Holliday, Donnisha Jones, Aaron Jones Jr., Ajarion Jones, and Natalya Whitaker; along with her precious great-grandchildren, Kyrie Holliday, Carmelo and Zayden Highsmith. She is also lovingly remembered by her bonus daughter, Bianca Winder, and her grandchildren Jerry Dickerson, Adrianna Brown, Ayonna Brown, Jayceon Brown, and Jamar Brown.

She is further survived by her other mother, Fredricka Holliday; her siblings Albert “Doc” Holliday, Rodney Watkins, Linda (Ron) Wesley, Kevin (Debbie) Watkins, Melvin Holliday, Walter “Jay” (Pam) Holliday, Lavette McQueen, and Carlton (Belinda) Watkins; her mother-in-law, Easter Winder; her siblings-in-law, Philip Winder, Kim Winder; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and the many children she helped raise and loved as her own.

The family of Mrs. Leila Winder has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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