On the 10th December 1935 the island of Water Cay, Grand Bahama welcomed with open arms Winnifred Louise Smith, the first child of Inez Bowleg and Johnny Smith, both deceased. She was a beautiful bubbly baby girl who was the joy of her parents.
A Time To Be Educated
Winnie as she was affectionately called was also the product of the Catholic Education system and attended Our Lady’s Catholic School and was also a member of the Catholic Band. She was a seamstress by profession and was also enrolled at the Technical Training College.
A Time To Work And To Live
Winnie, being the matriarch of our family was a very caring, loving and kind person. Although a disciplinarian, the children loved her and always looked forward to receiving the bags of goodies she would give them. She loved her family and would do almost anything for them. She was also very industrious, hard-working and a good provider for her children, grandchildren and many family members.
She was employed at Toogood’s Studios, and various hotels including Brittania Beach, Nassau Beach, The Mayfair Hotel and Lowes Paradise Island which is now Atlantis Resort; where she retired in 2006.
Family Life
Winnie was never married however; she was blessed with six beautiful children, Royann, Kevin, Kenneth, Dion, Jason and Darren. Her love for her children was evident in every respect. She had a duty to God to ensure that her children were raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord; and ensured that this duty was executed wholeheartedly. Her children knew her as the loving disciplinarian, teacher of Christian values, no nonsense and a caring and kindhearted mother.
Family life was one of her most treasured past- time. She loved her entire family; immediate and extended. She was close to them and loved to socialize with both family and friends. She also adored her siblings Edison “Babalu”, Bradley “Poonkie”(deceased), Delphine “Bloss”, Janet “Black Queen” and Carolyn “Bango”.
In the later years as her grandchildren Kevin, Chakito, Kevington, Conner, Jason Jr., Jaidyn, Jamari, Darron Jr., Cecily, Denise, Danielle, Deandra, Deonte, Jessica, and Janhiah came along she would nurture them the same way she did for her children. There was no distinction and her grandchildren were like the children that she had birthed. Winnie loved to travel and her grandchildren would often accompany her when visiting other relatives and friends. She loved life itself and was a confident, courageous and determined individual who never let challenging circumstances overwhelm her; she was a fighter who has left a legacy for many to emulate.
Christian Journey
Winnie was a God-fearing woman with a passion for the things of God. During her childhood years, she was baptized and confirmed at Our Lady’s Catholic Church. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and would attend the 6:30 a.m. mass when she was able to. She was also a member of the 6:30 a.m. Breakfast Club and the Mother’s Club. In addition to that, Winnie was an avid ticket seller and would be seen selling raffle tickets for weeks prior to the Church’s Annual Bazaar.
A Time To Die
Six weeks ago Winnie felt extremely ill and was taken to Florida to undergo testing. She was admitted to Broward General Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital where she was diagnosed with cancer. During her hospitalization her health deteriorated rapidly and on March 18th, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. she peacefully slipped into eternity and was called by her Heavenly Father.