Thelma Kern Winters knew and loved the Lord. She believed in God's grace, mercy, forgiveness and redemption. And it was evident in the life she lived.
She went by many names - Aunt Thelma, Cousin Thelma, Mrs. Thelma, Thelma "Alice" or simply Thelma. She was a treasured soul among family and friends who often called and visited her over the years. Many people raved about her cooking, and she welcomed countless people to her home for feasts fit for a king. She loved being with family and keeping up with the latest happenings.
Thelma was most happy when she could exercise her independence, even though she suffered a stroke in August 2016. But with the assistance of a very special sister - and brother-in-law, Christine and Homer Winters; next door neighbor, Anthony Young, Jr. - "Junior," Help is On the Way home health staff, particularly Sandra Lewis; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; Thelma lived life on her terms. Recently, she figured out how to Facetime her family on her cell phone. On a few occasions, against the stern advice of healthcare providers and family, Thelma would stealthily drive herself around the corner from her home or even some place farther. She got a chuckle out of being fussed at later.
Thelma Kern Winters was born October 21, 1939, in Kosciusko, MS. She was the second among nine children born to Columbus Elvige Kern and Elnora Woods Kern.
She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Thelma earned her high school diploma and furthered her education by studying nursing. She worked as a nurse's aide at the former Monfort Jones Memorial Hospital in Kosciusko for several years. She also worked as a social worker assistant at the hospital before her retirement.
On June 4, 1960, he united in holy matrimony to the late Martin L. Winters. After the passing of her mother in 1968, Thelma's youngest sister, Margaret, went to live with the couple. Thelma and Martin became parents to Margaret and helped raised Margaret's three children - Shanderia, Lakettia and Tuni. Thelma was also a caregiver to her eldest Aunt Blanch Kern.
Thelma was a faithful and dedicated member of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in Kosciusko for all of her adult life. She served in various roles in the church, including Sunday School teacher, choir member, class leader, treasurer, communion steward, delegate for the Buffalo-Ethel charge of the Mississippi United Methodist State Conference and was also instrumental in the church's mission outreach initiatives.
Since her husband's passing in September 2009, Thelma lived alone. Her health declined after having a stroke, but caregivers were with her at home during the week. She typically spent holidays and special occasions with one or both of her special nieces. And though she never gave birth to children of her own, she was always honored on Mother's Day with gifts, visits and love. She remained active getting along fairly well until the Lord called her home to eternal peace and rest on Sunday, May 29.
She was preceded in death by her: husband, Martin L. Winters; brothers, James Kern, Richard Elvige Kern, and Branch William Kern, DVM; Alfransis Kern, and an infant sister who died at birth.
She leaves to cherish her memories and celebrate her life: two special nieces, Shanderia (Michael) Kern Minor of Brandon, MS; Thelma Lakettia Luckett of Starkville, MS; a special nephew, Tuni Martin (Gabriela) Kern of Spring Valley, California; brother, Ladallis Kern of Las Vegas, Nevada. and a very special sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Homer Winters, of Kosciusko, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
PLACE OF SERVICE: Winters Funeral Home
DATE OF SERVICE: Saturday, June 4, 2022
TIME OF SERVICE: 2:00 P.M.
PLACE OF INTERMENT: Brooks Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS
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