Lauren Elizabeth Winstead
August 1, 1998 – June 1, 2022
Lauren Elizabeth Winstead, age 23, of Richmond, Virginia passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, after a tragic incident on the James River.
Lauren was born in Momeyer, NC to parents John Clifton Winstead and Christina Roche Brockwell. Lauren received her formal education from Nash Central High School with her secondary education from UNC Charlotte and Wesleyan College with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology. Her first professional position was at Restore Hyper Wellness where she dedicated her life to the improvement and wellness of others. Accompanying her throughout high school, college, and beyond was her beloved therapy dog, Lucky.
Lauren met Lucky Dog on May 19, 2014, when he was found as a stray by friends of the family. That started one of the most important relationships she had during her short life. Lucky went everywhere with her and provided constant love and reassurance which helped her navigate the ups and downs of life.
She is survived by her father, John Winstead (Natasha) and brother, Esaihi; mother, Christina Brockwell (bonus Dad Jay); sister, Brittany Winstead (Patrick May); paternal grandmother, Iva Winstead; and maternal grandmother, Lois Roche.
She was preceded in death by uncle, David Winstead; paternal grandfather, Bobby Winstead; maternal grandfather, Lyle Roche; and four fur babies, Daisy, Katie, Rocky, and Dottie.
Lauren was a driven young woman with a passion for life. Some of her favorite things were long hikes in the mountain, paddle boarding, making friends, wearing glitter, waterfalls, sunsets, dancing, and inspiring others to be best version of themselves. She constantly strived for personal excellence and could often be found reading a self-improvement book or at the gym working on her fitness goals. She shared a very special bond with her sister and loved the many adventures they had together.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 10, 2022 at Affinity Funeral Service, 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Click here to view the live-streamed memorial service for Lauren Winstead.
The family plans to meet at Robious Landing Park at 8:00p.m. that evening to share a sunset together.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
I’m so sorry I won’t be able 2 attend as I am out of town this week however my thoughts & prayers are with your & your family during this tragic time.
My heart hurts for all of you 💔 Thinking of you all during this tragic time. Sending lots of hugs and love your way.
I’m so very happy to have know. Lauren. She had so many layers to her unique personality. She was beautiful inside out, she will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her. Forever a guardian angel to her family who loved her so… fly high pretty girl, you are forever loved…
If Lauren’s sister’s actions during Sarah Erway’s search and rescue is any indication, I know that Lauren, too, must have had a kind, warm, and loving heart who put others’ needs ahead of her own. Thank you to everyone in the family for bringing the impact humanity can have in times of hardship to the forefront. It was a reminder to be good and do better. Wishing the family much love, peace, and solace.
I never knew Lauren but totally agree with everything Ellen Hwang wrote above. In Lauren’s memory, I will certainly strive to be a better and more humble person.
While I didn’t know Lauren, I knew Sarah Erway. IF Sarah and Lauren were friends, that is all the proof I need to know Lauren was good as gold. We mourn both of these ladies, and I wish for the Winstead family my heartfelt condolences and hope your healing is wrapped around your wonderful memories of her.
I did not know Lauren, but was a cousin to Sarah that I didn’t know either. My condolences go out to you during this hard time your going though. May god walk with you during this time. God bless y’all
I’m so sorry for your loss of Lauren. The journey of grief is difficult. Memories will sustain you. Her love and light will shine on you forever. Peace❤️
My heart hurts for all of you as you struggle up this mountain of grief. I am praying for you that you will be comforted by God as He loves us all. 🙏
My heart just completely hurts for you, Lauren’s family. Even though it had been a while since I had seen her I can’t imagine the hurt you all must feel. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Jackie Skinner
I did not know Lauren, but know her grandmother Lois. She provided me laughter and love through very difficult times. I know that Lois guided Lauren throughout her life & was an integral part in shaping the person she became. Your loss is great & I pray for peace & comfort for all friends & family affected by this tragedy.
I did not know Lauren, but know her grandmother Lois. She provided me laughter and love through very difficult times. I know that Lois guided Lauren throughout her life & was an integral part in shaping the person she became. Your loss is great & I pray for peace & comfort for all friends & family affected by this tragedy.
While I didn’t know your beautiful daughter, Lauren, I did know Sarah Erway. My heart breaks for your family and for the Erways. You have my deepest condolences.
Joy Williams
I got to know how big Lauren’s heart was when we worked together with the children at Parkwood Baptist Church. What a beautiful example she was. Also our adventures at His Mansion in New Hampshire. Lauren was kind, loving, energetic, and mature beyond her years. You were an inspiration sweetie. RIP
Thinking of you and your family.
I remember when we would go see our Grandmom (Azerline) in the summer and John would sometimes come over to play. I never kept in touch but would see Iva from time to time since she lives next door. I never knew Lauren, but when I saw her picture, I was blown away at the family resemblance. My heart is broken . Another Winstead family member taken too soon. She was a beautiful soul. I wish I had known her. I will not be attending the funeral but my family prays for you and yours.
Kelly
To Christine and John and all of the family, Amanda and I send our most deepest condolences and biggest hugs. We didn’t know her personally but were touched and deeply moved by all the stories Christine has shared about Lauren. We were happy to contribute to Lauren’s charity. May God bless and give you peace.
Christina, it’s been years since we’ve spoken but I heard about Lauren. Please know that you’ve been on my mind since Connie Martin called me. I’m so very sorry for you and your family. May God comfort you, wrap his arms around your entire family, and get you through this difficult time!! I wish we could have gotten back in touch under different circumstances. Lauren, her life, her love for others, her smile, everything about her will always make you smile when you think of her. My heart breaks just thinking of you Christina but I can remember you, and you will get through this 💖.