India Anna Shelton Winston

India Anna Shelton Winston was born February 1, 1930 in Louisa County, Virginia to Willie and Mary Anderson Shelton. India was preceded in death by the love of her life, Robert A. Winston, Sr. and daughter, Mary Eliza Patsy Lee Watson Street. India’s and Robert’s lifelong journey formally began on January 13, 1961. Their earthly union ended with his passing on September 22, 2003, but they were reunited with her passing on the morning of June 15, 2010. Together India and Robert reared five children. India joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church shortly after she married Robert. She was an active member of the Senior Choir until she felt the need to stay by her husband’s side to care for him. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, that prepared many meals and snacks. India washed and ironed clothes, helped with homework, and still managed to take care of her husband twenty-four hours a day. On many occasions, she shared things she learned as a child and then later in life. Full of independence, she only called for help when she actually needed it. India had wit and wisdom and her own routine of doing things. She loved to work outside in her vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed cooking and cleaning, talking on the telephone and singing in the choir. Never hesitating, she took pleasure in taking her neighbors and friends grocery shopping or helping them run errands. As long as India was able, she never denied helping anyone. For most, India loved God and everything He placed on earth, from the greater light to the lesser light, from the water to the sky, from the ground to the sea, from the plants and trees to all creatures great and small. Other than snakes, if there was a stray or injured animal, she wanted to love it and take care of it. If the creature was a snake, its life was short-lived. Lady bugs and other flying creatures were tenderly captured and returned to the outdoors. Because of her love for God’s creatures, India worked at the Cary Street Veterinary Hospital for several years, retiring in the late 90’s. Her favorite bible book was the Book of Revelations. If there was a scripture she would leave with you today, it would probably be Revelation 3:20-22 where Jesus is speaking: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”(NIV) She leaves to cherish her memory four children: Cynthia E. Rochon, Sharon M. Peterson (Roy), Robert A. Winston, Jr. (Cornita), and Cathy L. Adkins; one brother, Vivion Shelton and his wife, Angeline. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, Noreen, Licia, Marie, Tracy, Keith, Karen, Kathy, Katrina, LaNea, Raquel, Terry, Matesha, and Torryn; nineteen great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. To God Be the Glory!

Tributes

India Anna Shelton Winston

February 1, 1930 - June 15, 2010