Obituaries – AA Rayner and Sons Funeral Homes

Winifred Victoria St James Hinkle

March 24, 2016/in Obituaries

Winifred Victoria St James Hinkle

Winifred Victoria St. James-Hinkle, affectionately known as Winnie, was born November 22, 1929 to the union of the late Theodore and Lois St. James in Chicago, Illinois. Winnie was the oldest of seven children. Her brother Norman (Butch) St. James preceded her in death. Winnie always referred to herself as being the “Matriarch” of the family.

She received her education at McCosh Elementary School and Englewood High School. Winnie was very close to her siblings and loved them dearly. She was rasied in the Woodlawn neighborhood where she made many friends that would become like family. She was married to her high school sweet heart Robert Frazier, from that union two children were born, Brenda and Joyce.

Winnie loved to travel and she often traveled with her sister Gwendolyn. She always loved to have a good time dancing “shaking a tail feather” being the life of the party. She also had a group of friends and they referred to themselves as “The Golden Girls”. Winnie also had an artistic side, with the talent of drawing. She loved to play poker, bingo, bid whist, and video games. She loved to work and was a dedicated employee of CNA Insurance for twenty-nine years. She often worked another job simultaneously teaching key punch.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Brenda (Donnell) Luster and Joyce Mickles, three grandchildren, Joy (Anthony) Johnican, Donnell (Tresa) Luster, Jr., and Brandi (Willie) Parker, three great grandchildren, Kennedy, Kaitlyn, and Anthony, II, siblings Gwendolyn, Theodore, Lloyd, Eunice, Alan, sister-in-law Ester, and many nieces and nephews.

Theodore Alston Jr

March 23, 2016/in Obituaries

Theodore Alston Jr

Theadore Alston, Jr (Ted) was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on October 24, 1946 to Theadore Alston, Sr., and Edith Bailey Alston. Ted was the first of four children. He was preceded in death by his father, brother (Clyde) and sister (Cheryl).

Ted and his family migrated to Chicago, Illinois in 1953, where he attended Bass Elementary School and Harper High School.

Ted later enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Vietnam War in 1965.

Ted worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs for over 25 years, until he retired in 2012.

Ted was a loving and caring Son, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Uncle. He was a family man who enjoyed just spending time with his family. He instilled important values in his children’s lives.

Ted accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church where he attended services every Sunday with his family. He redidicated himself to the Lord with his granddaughters in August 2015 through baptism.

Ted was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 14, 2016. He was truly loved and will be greatly missed yet remembered by everyone whose life he touched.

Ted leaves to cherish, his mother, Edith Alston; sister, Eunice Gholar (Jimmy); son, Sean Alston, Sr.; daughters, LaDenna Smith & Qiana Alston; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren (and one on the way); aunt, Mary Eaton; cousin, Willie Catherine Graves; uncle, Sylsarza (Al) Alston; nephews, Ari & Adin Gholar; niece, Amaris Gholar and a host of relatives & Friends.