Lauretta R. Winfrey

LAURETTA GWENDOLYN RICKS WINFREY was the second child born to the late Charles Moore Ricks, Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Carr Ricks, in South Boston, Virginia on September 18, 1931. The Lord called her to rest on the 3rd day of March, 2024. Lauretta attended M.H. Coleman Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School in South Boston, Virginia. Upon graduation from high school, Lauretta attended Shaw University for one year. She then entered Saint Philip School of Nursing where she met her very dear friend, Hollise Hill, with whom she remained the closest of friends for the remainder of her life. Lauretta earned her R.N. in 1953. She was named the “Most Carefree” in her graduating class. Known fondly as “Gwen” to her classmates, she cited this favorite quote in The Light (Yearbook): “No longer forward or behind, I look in hope or fear; but, grateful, take the good I find, the best of now and here.” While in pursuit of her Bachelor’s degree by taking courses at Virginia Union University, she met her future husband, Reginald Maurice Winfrey, Sr. in a class they shared together. When asked, she recounted how they met: She said that she noticed he was smart; so, she pretended that she didn’t know the answer to something and she would approach him for assistance and love blossomed from there. Lauretta earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medical College of Virginia St. Phillip School of Nursing, Richmond, Virginia on May 31, 1955. Lauretta and Reggie were married on December 26, 1956. To their union, two children were born, Reginald, Jr. and Karen. In 1961, they moved their family to Baltimore, Maryland where Reggie secured a position at the Veterans Administration after earning his Master’s Degree in Social Work. Lauretta accepted a position in the school system as a school nurse. She later became employed at Provident Hospital in Baltimore where she held the positions of Assistant Director of Staff Development and Director of Staff Development. She ultimately held the position of Assistant Director of Nursing. It was at Provident that she met her very close friend, Juanita Edwards, with whom she maintained a close friendship for the remainder of her life. Lauretta was a member of the American Society for Nursing Administrators of the American Hospital Association. She was also a member of Chi Eta Phi, Sorority Incorporated, Gamma Chapter, Professional Nursing Organization in Baltimore Maryland. She was also an avid Pinochle player and was a member of the Pinochle Bugs. She was a member of the Alpha Wives, a social organization in Baltimore. Lauretta loved to dance and have social gatherings. Upon the passing of her beloved mother, Lauretta was seen as the family matriarch. She was there to support her younger siblings and opened her home to family whenever there was a need. She provided a foundation upon which they could always depend. Lauretta was an extremely caring person, and her home was always warm and inviting. She helped countless people with employment opportunities. Lauretta was preceded in death by her loving husband, Reginald Maurice Winfrey, Sr.; her sisters, Gladys Camilla Smith and Evelyn Vernice Hayes; and brother, Charles Moore Ricks, Jr. She is survived by her devoted children, Reginald Maurice Winfrey, Jr. and Karen Davette Winfrey Grant (Carl); three adoring grandchildren, Candice Laurine Hendrix (Brandon), Dr. Lauretta Dionne Spaulding ( James), and Christalyn Shanae Winfrey; five great-grandchildren, Ava Jade Elyse Grant, Jamesen Aria Hendrix, Levi Reginald Hendrix, Micah Axel Hendrix and Dominic James Spaulding; two sisters, Margaret R. Roberts, Grace Holland (Ronald); one brother, Wilmer Nathaniel Ricks; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many wonderful friends. In lieu of flowers of flowers the family asked that a charitable donation be made to the organization listed below. Thank you. BridgingLife Hospice: BridgingLife Make a Gift | LifeBridge Health https://www.lifebridgehealth.org/main/bridging-life-development Alzheimer's Association: Alzheimer's Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer's Disease https://act.alz.org/

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Lauretta R. Winfrey

September 18, 1931 - March 3, 2024