Joan Winfrey

Joan Winfrey was born to Lucy Mae (Bishop) Allen and George Washington Allen on November 22, 1948, in Champaign, IL. Joan departed this life on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 74.

Joan came to Christ at an early age. She devoted herself to the service of the Lord for the last 30 years at the church her husband founded - Crossroad of Life Community Church. Sis. Winfrey served in almost every capacity imaginable. She was the church and announcing clerk; she taught Sunday school, ushered, served in the kitchen, and even cleaned the church for years. Wherever she was needed, that’s where she filled in. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her church.

On March 25, 1972, she was joined in holy matrimony with Raymond LeRoy Winfrey. They were married for 41 years. She considered being a mother and wife the most significant accomplishment in her life that brought her much joy and happiness. Taking care of and being there for her family was her priority. There wasn’t a sacrifice she wouldn’t make for them.

 She was most definitely a “girly girl.” From dresses to shoes to lipstick, to perfume, to decorating, she always said how much she “loved being a woman.” However, on the flip side, she played no games with anyone. There were three things you didn’t mess with, her husband, her kids, and her money. You never had to guess how she felt because she didn’t bite her tongue about anything. To know her was to love her.

She is survived by her brothers Kent E. Allen of Denver, CO; Isaiah B. Allen of Rantoul, IL; and sister Mona L. Bailey of Houston, TX. Her daughter Pastor Regina (Damon) Crider of Rantoul, IL, and her nephew who was like her son, Kevin J. Allen of Houston, TX; along with her five grand-children Richauna L. Harper (Aaron Russell); Raymond D. Green; Antonio D. Waters; DaYanna’ E. Crider; RaNeise L. Waters and two great-grand-children Aaric R. Russell and Aaryauna D. Russell all of Rantoul, IL.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, both of her parents, her brother Morris G. Allen, her daughter Marithia M. Waters, son-in-law Aubrey N. Waters and granddaughter Richeena L. Harper.   

A visitation will commence from 5-7pm, Friday , July 21, 2023 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 1215 W. Bradley Ave., Urbana.

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