In Loving
Memory

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].

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