Zenobia Evangeline McLaughlin

Zenobia Evangeline Winfrey McLaughlin departed this life on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at her home in Baltimore, Maryland. Mrs. McLaughlin, affectionately known as “Zee” was the fourth child born to William Harding Winfrey, Sr and Lucy Vernelle Hilton Winfrey in Richmond, Virginia. She attended the Richmond Public Schools and graduated from Armstrong High School in 1945 with the notable distinction of being salutatorian of her class. Zenobia was the recipient of numerous honors and awards and attended Virginia Union University where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She would later receive a Bachelor of Christian Education from Family Bible College. She became a member of the Upsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1952. Zenobia worked at the Medical College of Virginia as a Biological Assayist and Micro-technician. She would later work at Provident Hospital as a Patient Advocate and at Granada Nursing Home as a Patient Representative. She retired after working many years for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. Zenobia was married to Dr. Wayman B. McLaughlin, and to this union six children were born. She was a stay-at-home mother for several years who poured her love, life, and legacy into her children. Zenobia gave her life to Christ at a young age at Mosby Memorial Baptist Church in Richmond. She had been a member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 31 years. As a Deaconess, she faithfully served in various ministries including the Prison, Food Pantry, New Members, Missionaries and Drama ministries. For several years, she was an instructor at Family Bible Institute where she was known as “Mrs. Teaching Techniques.” Zenobia was energetic, fun-loving, and had a zest for life. She was known for her radiant smile, sense of humor and commitment to excellence. In addition to her parents’ death, Zenobia was preceded in death by Dr. Wayman B. McLaughlin; her daughter, Sharon McLaughlin Gadson and great grandson, D’Andre McLaughlin; three sisters, Vernelle Winfrey, Dorothea Polk, and Eunice Dotson; and two brothers, William Winfrey, Jr., and Reginald Winfrey, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory four daughters and one son: Zenobia Bernadine McLaughlin, Cynthia McLaughlin Lyons, Phyllis McLaughlin Wright (Brian), Beryl McLaughlin Miller and Wayman Bernard McLaughlin, Jr. (Jacqueline); ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

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Zenobia Evangeline McLaughlin

February 28, 1928 - October 15, 2022