Francine Winstead

Francine Winstead

Tupelo/Amory – Dortha Francine Winstead, 82, passed away on March 5, 2023 in Tupelo, MS and began her new life in Heaven. She was born on June 2, 1940 in Causeyville, MS, to the late Otis and Kizzie Brunson Culpepper.

Francine graduated from High School in Lauderdale County, MS and attended some college. She married Hilria “H.J.” Winstead and together they were blessed with two sons and a daughter. She was a musician through and through and her career was playing pianos and organs for many churches over the years. She started in West Pointe at Calvary Baptist Church, then transferred to First Methodist in West Pointe and lastly played at First Methodist in Amory for over 25 years. She lost her husband early and was determined to be a great provider for her children, even though she was a single mom. Francine accomplished what she set out to do and even after working as a pianist for so many years, she also taught piano and worked part time at Green’s Blossom Shop as well as playing for funerals in the community. Of all things in her life, she would be most proud of her family she helped raise as well her gift of music she tirelessly gave to God.

She was strong willed and extremely talented. Francine showed her love for the Lord by playing music, helping however she could and serving in His church. Passionate about any Methodist missions, she especially cared about Camp Lake Stevens and all the young people who attended it for camps and gatherings. Through the years, hundreds of young people learned to play the piano thanks to Francine. Her sons recall many the evenings that she would teach students at their home for hours. Her passion of music was amazing and at times she was a stickler for perfection.

In her down time, Francine loved to listen to Classical Music, especially compositions by Beethoven and Bach. She also liked to be around anything that had to do with flowers and she enjoyed crocheting items for her friends and family.

So many lives were touched and moved by Francine’s music and she taught many young people the love of music. Her melody will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her sons, David L. Winstead (Theresa), Saltillo, MS, and Darryl R. Winstead (Susan), Baldwyn; grandchildren, Mitchell, Zachary, Nathan, Marla, Johnny, Jessica and Monica; great-grandchildren, Lauren Reese, Kam, Kale, Waylon, Jolie, and Emily; sisters, Anita “Nita’ Scarbrough (Gary), Kosciusko, MS, and Betty Barham, Dothan, Al; and a host of niece and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, “H.J.” Winstead; daughter, Dee Winstead; brother-in-law, Donnie Barham.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 3:00 pm at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, MS with Rev. Jim Peterman and Bro. David English officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday from 1:30 pm until the service hour at 3:00 pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Camp Lake Stevens, Oxford, Mississippi.

Memories and condolences may be made at EEPickleFuneralHome.com