Obituaries

Josephine McCraw Hillsman Winters passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024. She was born on April 28, 1935, in Prince Edward County Virginia, the daughter of William Zachary Hillsman and Bettie Sue McCraw, sister to Lucy Elizabeth and Hallie Meredith, and half-sister to James Byrd, Johns White, and Emily Blanton.

She was married to her beloved sweetheart, Leo Herman Winters, for nearly 52 years until his passing on May 25, 2014. Together, they made their home in Richmond, Virginia, before moving in 2001 to the Chicago suburbs to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

A lifelong learner, Josephine pursued her formal education at Longwood College, earning a Bachelor’s in Mathematics degree. She continued her studies with a Master’s in Education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and an Educational Specialist degree from the University of Virginia. She dedicated her career to teaching mathematics at Martinsville High School in Martinsville, Virginia, Douglas Freeman High School in Richmond, Virginia, and later at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

Her faith in Christ and love of the Gospel guided her life and touched all who knew her. Josephine was an active member and Elder at Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia.  After moving to Illinois, she continued her ministry as a member and Sunday School teacher at Christ Presbyterian Church (formerly Spring Valley Presbyterian Church).

Above all else, Josephine enjoyed spending time with her family and many beloved friends. She had a wonderful laugh, a warm smile with sparkling eyes, and was always welcoming to everyone in her home. Over the course of her life, she nurtured numerous beloved pets:  Dogs: Stubby, Gypsy, Copy, Muffin, Gitzy, Saint, Chelsea, and Cal, Cats: Douglas, Pyewacket, Holly, and Bear,   She loved playing bridge, reading, crocheting, knitting, and solving sudoku puzzles—anything that engaged her keen mind.

She is survived by her sons Paul (married to Susan) and Robert (married to Terresa); her grandchildren Robert (married to Rimma), Katherine, Nicholas, Zachary, and Abby (married to Peterson); and her great-grandchildren Tessa and James. She also leaves behind many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews, many of whom considered Josephine to be more like a dear sister.

A memorial service will be held on January 18, 2025, at 2 pm at Christ Presbyterian Church, 903 E. Nerge Road, Roselle, Illinois. A private graveside service will take place later that week at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Joliet, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Christ Presbyterian Church, 903 E. Nerge Road, Roselle, Illinois.

Josephine’s legacy of love, faith, and wisdom will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

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