Elizabeth (Penegar) Winchester

Martha Elizabeth Winchester of Mineral Springs, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2016, after losing her battle with melanoma. She was born on August 22, 1930 in Union County, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ware H. and Velma Howie Penegar, and a brother, Jacob Penegar, all of Mineral Springs. She is survived by her husband, Robert H. (Bob) Winchester of 64 years; son, Gregg Winchester and wife, Lynn; daughter, Paula Winchester Coonrod and husband, David; grandchildren: Matthew Winchester and wife, Shannon; Garrett Coonrod and wife, Ashton; Lauren Winchester Porter and husband, Dan; Jillian Winchester; and great-grandson, Cade Winchester. Other survivors include her brother, Ware H. Penegar, Jr.; sister, Frances Padgett; sister, Anna Plyler Fitch and husband, Eddie; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was raised in Mineral Springs, graduated Mineral Springs High School in 1948, and completed Kings Business College. In 1949, she began the only job she ever had, Secretary to the Superintendent of Union County Schools, where she retired after 40+ years, three different superintendents. After retirement, she and Bob enjoyed traveling the world with their friends through Majestic Tours. They visited nearly every continent and extensively across the U.S. Her grandchildren have the souvenir spoons to prove it. She was known as Elizabeth, “Lib,” “Sister,” “Nana” to us. Lib was a woman of strong character, great wisdom and foresight, many talents, great compassion, strength, dignity and reverence for God. She was an encourager, always kind and welcoming, always giving and forgiving. She enjoyed serving others, whether it was working behind the scenes using her administrative skills or hosting a table full of Campmeeting preachers and guests. She made it look easy, and she wanted no credit for herself. She took much pride in her family, was like a mother to her siblings, was devoted to her husband, and cherished her time with her children and grandchildren. Her example will serve them well. Visitation is Tuesday, February 23, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112. Funeral will be held in the Gordon Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, February 24, at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Lakeland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Campground or Pleasant Grove UMC, 658 Cotton Field Circle, Waxhaw, NC 28173. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.