Robert Shelton Winters

He loved God, he loved his family, he loved to fish, he loved Christmas, he loved his birthday and receiving presents he loved life. This is the Robert that we knew and loved. Like many people, Robert had many sides. Perhaps you knew the more “colorful” side of his personality; maybe you knew the meek quiet spirit or the child-like simplicity that enabled him to live in the moment. Though at times his humanity defied his divinity, he was a divine creature, a man of destiny and purpose who touched the lives of countless others through a simple demeanor and an appreciation for the life that God had given him-despite all limitations.Named after his paternal grandfather, Robert Shelton Winters was born November 29, 1938 to Queen Esther Winters and the late Howard S. Winters in Garner, North Carolina-a small town just outside of Raleigh. He moved to Baltimore with his parents as a young child. In his early years, the family lived in Fort Holabird where Robert attended church at First Christian Community Baptist Church and was baptized at an early age.When he was a young teen, his family moved to the Walbrook area where he became well known in the community as “Hoss”. He was enrolled in the Special Education Program in the Baltimore City Public School system and spent the past 46 years working at the Diamond Cab lot where he rarely missed a day. For the past year he enjoyed a self-imposed retirement.Robert cherished his friends, David and Anna, and the times that they spent fishing on Dave’s boat-and was the self-proclaimed boyfriend of long time family of long time family friend, Cynthia Ennis. Family gatherings were always a source of excitement for him and he added to the excitement.Several months ago, Robert became very ill. Yet even in this, God was very gracious and merciful to him. He spent almost 24/7 being consoled by gospel music. His prayers though simple were profound. He never once complained.Having found peace with God’s will, Robert returned to the Father on Saturday, October 13, 2001. He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Queen E. Winters; four sisters, Sandra Hamlin of Raleigh, North Carolina and Esther Steptoe, Annie Norris and Helen Grier of Baltimore, Maryland; two aunts, Ida M. Adams and Margaret Coleman of Garner, North Carolina; a special niece, Angela Grier and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. This is the Robert that we knew and loved.

Tributes

Robert Shelton Winters

November 29, 1938 - October 13, 2001