Winnie Mears Southworth
February 1, 1944 – September 9, 2022
Winnie Mears Southworth, 78, died peacefully at her home in Mechanicsville, VA on September 9, 2022. Winnie always provided love and support to her family and friends. Throughout her life, she advocated for the rights of people with disabilities. She sprinkled kindness and laughter wherever she went.
Survivors include her husband, Richard Southworth; her children, Teresa Parr, Mark Southworth, Michelle Evans; son-in-law, Julian Parr; and her grandchildren, Emma Parr, Daniel Parr; Rachel Parr; Rhiannon Lutz; and her siblings, Charlotte Cain, Buster Mears, and Phyllis Boone. She was preceded in death by her parents, John “Bunny” Mears and Mae Ellen Brown Mears; and her sister, Ellen Welch.
Winnie is from Centerville, MD. Her biological mother died when she was young. She grew up in the home of Verna Crowl (aunt); James Crowl (uncle) and Jane Milliken (cousin). She maintained close relationships with her biological father and his second wife, Barbara Mears, and her siblings.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 8th. The location and details will be announced at a later time. Internment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, Winnie asked that donations be made in her honor to the scholarship fund created in her father’s memory: You can donate online at www.chesapeake.edu/donate (Designation is the John E. “Bunny” Mears Scholarship Fund, In Tribute of Winnie Mears Southworth).
You can email any photos you’d like to have shared at her service to: [email protected]
What a lovely woman and wonderful wife and mother. Thinking about the family in this time of loss. Prayers.
I always thought of Winnie as my other mom. She was a genuinely kind and giving person. She was greatly loved and will be missed even more so! Rest in love and light, Winnie!!
Very saddened to learn of Winnie’s passing. My sincerest condolences to the family. Keeping all in prayer.
Winnie was a gentle and caring soul. We loved getting to know her, Richard and Mark at First Baptist Church as part of the Lambs class. We rest assured that she is sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Winnie was gentle, kind, and caring and what made all that so special was her zesty sense of humor. She made me smile, and she made me laugh out loud. I have such good memories.
The love and light miss Winnie gave will forever be an ember to those she impacted. I had the pleasure of being with her on a few occasions and she welcomed me into her home with a warm heart. Bless those she leaves behind here and gains her wings in a warm home coming. May God provide your hearts with love and your minds with sweet memories to cherish her life. My prayers and support are with your family as you remember the beauty miss Winnie added to each of your lives.
With love and kindness, Maggi Sweeney
I cherish the time and memories I’ve had with Winnie. Especially the times in Richards classes.
Love hugs to the family,
Marcia Robinson
What a great time it was growing up down the road from such a beautiful girl. We have not seen each other recently but I could never forget that Winnie smile!