Tommie Winston Jr.

Deacon Tommie Winston, Jr. was born on June 18, 1950 to the proud parents of Willie Mae Sanders-Winston and Tommie Winston, Sr.  The eldest of ten children.  Tommie took charge and learned quickly. There was no task impossible for him.  He attended Farragut Career Academy High School in Chicago, Illinois and graduated in 1969.

In 1978, Tommie met the love of his life, Essie Mae Turner. They married in 1981. Tommie and Essie relocated to Joliet, IL in 1983; here they laid their foundation.  In 1984, Deacon Tommie, along with his wife and children joined St.  James Community Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Elder James H. Hamilton, Sr.  Deacon Timmie Winston Jr. served faithfully as a member, Sunday School supporter, Deacon and Trustee until his health failed.

Deacon Winston was employed by Joliet Public School District 86 where he worked over 20 years as a custodian/engineer.  He developed extraordinary love for all children.  His exceptional work ethic earned him many awards and achievements.  He was also featured in the Joliet Herald Newspaper.  Tommie loved his job and co-workers and in return was loved. He would always say "Quite time and peace, now I'm off these feet at the end of the day."

Deacon Winston wasn't a complicated man and took nothing for granted.  He believed in hard work and spent his life working, enjoying, loving and living life.  His presence was always known, as he was life to every room he entered. He was always available for loved ones and friends when needed.  Tommie's favorite pastime was watching cowboys and western movies.  Deacon Tommie Winston Jr. will be missed by all who loved and knew him.  He passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021.

Deacon Winston is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mother Essie Mae Turner-Winston; his parents, Tommie Sr. and Willie Mae Winston; four brothers, Joe Winston, Earl Winston, Bobby Winston and Leonard Winston; two sisters, Dorothy Winston, Annette Winston; two sons, Paul McClain, Keith McClain; four grandchildren, Alexander McClain, Danny Johnson, Jr., Todd Taylor, Jr. and Edelle Jackson, Jr.

He leaves a lifetime of memories to his children; Rosemary McClain, Patrice Winston, Eileen (Cornelius) Lee, Woodrow (Charletha) Edwards, Shawnee Edwards, Vincent (Lacretia) Turner, Quentin (Vickie) Winston, Dwayne (Kashawna) Turner, Jeremy (Tabitha) Turner; brothers, Jerry Winston, Donell Winston; sister, Michelle Winston; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tommie Winston Jr., please visit our floral store.