Ms. Easter Mae Winder

With grateful hearts for a life well lived, we celebrate the beautiful legacy of Mrs. Easter Mae Winder, who peacefully entered eternal rest on June 16, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born on October 7, 1941, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Easter’s journey began with both loss and purpose. Following the passing of her biological mother during childbirth, she was lovingly raised by her adopted mother, Elizabeth McQueen, whose care and guidance helped shape the remarkable woman Easter would become. Through faith, perseverance, and unwavering strength, she developed the resilience and compassion that would define her life.

After graduating from high school in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Easter relocated to Washington, D.C., before eventually making Newport News, Virginia her permanent home. It was there that she built a life centered around family, faith, service, and community.

Easter “ Baby Sis “ dedicated much of her professional life to caring for others. She worked in group homes serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and others whose circumstances prevented them from living independently. Her compassionate spirit and nurturing nature made her especially suited for this work, and she touched countless lives through her care and kindness. Later, she joined Cook’s Moving Company as an Inventory and Packing Technician, where she faithfully served until her retirement.

While Easter worked hard throughout her life, her greatest calling was caring for people. Whether family, friends, neighbors, church members, or complete strangers, she always found ways to make others feel welcomed, loved, and cared for.

A devoted member of Saint James Temple, Mother Easter faithfully served on the church’s feeding ministry for more than a decade. Through this ministry, she helped provide meals and encouragement to countless residents throughout Newport News. Many came to know and love her not only for her service but also for her delicious homemade dishes. Her famous potato salad and deviled eggs were highly requested at family gatherings, church events, and celebrations, becoming one of the many ways she expressed love to those around her.

Easter was a woman of deep faith, quiet strength, and gentle wisdom. She was the family’s matriarch, a steady presence whose prayers covered generations. Though often soft-spoken, she possessed a remarkable toughness and resilience that carried her through life’s challenges with grace. She believed in showing up for those she loved and remained devoted to her family, friends, and church family throughout her life.

Outside of her work and ministry, Easter embraced life’s simple joys. She was a devoted Washington Redskins fan, loved a good game of cards or bingo, enjoyed thrifting, crossword puzzles,  yard sales, and  traveling. She also cherished every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by family.

Above all, Easter will be remembered for her unwavering love. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she poured into their lives with affection, encouragement, wisdom, and prayer. Her legacy lives on through each of them.

Easter was preceded in death by her biological mother, Scrappie Walls; her father, Willie Lloyd; her beloved adopted mother, Elizabeth McQueen; her son, Bryan “Squirt” McQueen; her brothers, Jessie B. Lloyd, John H. Lloyd Sr., and Curtis Lloyd Sr, her granddaughter Kameka Holliday, her grandson, Tevin Woodley, her daughters-in-love, Vickie Winder and Deborah Winder; and her dear friend, Ozell Williams.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children, Phillip Winder Sr., Kimberly Winder, Gregory Winder, and her bonus daughter, Olinda Bullock; her devoted sister, Dorothy Porter-Colts; her beloved grandchildren, Lakeisha Cooper, Tierra Winder, Daquan Woodley, Phillip Winder Jr., Bianca Winder, Brittany Harris (Shawn), and Paul Bullock (Marquia); her treasured great-grandchildren, Delonta, Trezure, JahKory, Lavarr Jr., Kamya, Jherzi, Ramaj, Jerry, Amir, Kai, Adrianna, Ayonna, Arian, Austin, Noah, Logan, Ace, Jayceon, Javier, Aubrey Rose, Sevyn, and Jamar; along with a host of beloved nieces and nephews, cherished cousins, her dear cousin Mildred “Peaches” Dunn , extended family members, church family, friends, and loved ones whose lives were blessed by her presence.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing that Easter has been reunited with those who went before her and now rest peacefully in the presence of the Lord. Her love, faith, kindness, and enduring strength will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.

“Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:23

It is the desire of the Winder family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Ms. Easter Winder has entrusted her final C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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