Debra Winston

We joyfully celebrate the life and legacy of Judge Debra Bennett Winston, who passed away at the age of 72 after a valiant battle with cancer. There are many facets that warrant attention to Sister Debra Winston. There are three aspects of her life she particularly holds dear and this is what she wishes you to know about her:
First – she loved the Lord and is saved; second – she loved her family; and third – she had a calling to teach the love of God. “My passion for young children has led me to be a sought after advocate to rescue the least, lost, and left out. My life is lived according to Proverbs 3:5-6.”
It was at the change of the season from summer to autumn, the times were also changing for us as a people. On Friday, October 5, 1951, to be exact was when our speaker was born. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, as the second of two children born to Marian Bennett Wallace.
She was educated in the Bessemer public school system and received an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and a Juris Doctor degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Her Christian experience began when she was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Bessemer, AL, in 1959 by the late Reverend Leon Glover. She subsequently joined First Baptist Church of Fairfield, AL. In 1993, Debra married Pastor Charles R. Winston, Jr., and became a cherished member of St. John Baptist Church of Dora, AL, where her husband was the pastor. In 2000, Pastor Winston and his family were sent to the New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church by the touching of the Holy Spirit. She join the New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Hueytown and was an active member and support to her husband. She began working as the youth director, taught Church school, created baby praise dancers, a.k.a. “Angellettes,” taught in Vacation Bible School, and led the youth to numerous victories in the District Association Bible Bowl contests. A member of the Ministers, Deacons, and Trustees’ Wives Ministry and the Matrons’ Ministry at New Mt. Moriah of Hueytown, AL. She is also a member of the Alabama Chapter of the International Ministers’ Wives (past president 2017 through 2019).
She became a practicing attorney in 1991. Her career was distinguished by her tenure as a municipal judge in the cities of Midfield and Fairfield for 14 years, along with 25 years in private practice. She was later elected District Judge by the Citizens of the Bessemer Cut-off. As a Christian attorney, she voluntarily gave her time to train and mentor new attorneys. Several of her mentees have become successful attorneys and judges. She saw the need to help those who needed a hand up. Judge Winston was a member of the Alabama Bar Association, Alabama Lawyers’ Association, National Bar Association, and the Judicial Branch of the National Bar Association. She has served on the Boards of Director of North Central Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation, Grace House for Girls in Fairfield, Alabama, Midfield Chamber of Commerce in Midfield, Alabama, and Hueytown Beautification Board. Debra’s life reflected the scripture, “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right” (Psalm 106:3). As a judge, she exemplified these virtues through her fair and honest service.
“God has shown what is good and what the Lord requireth of thee, surely to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.” – Micah 6:8
On May 24, 2024, Debra went on to meet the fair and righteous judge!
She leaves behind her beloved husband, Reverend Dr. Charles R. Winston, Jr.; daughters, Eyrika Parker “JD” and T’Ola Winston; son, Charles R. Winston III (Andrea); cherished grandchildren, Shaniece, M'kiyah,Tamaya, Jalia, Jamichael, Nathan, Takari, Christian, Jeremiah, Devontae, and Charles IV; brother, Kenneth Bennett; great-grandchild, Rylee Hudson; sisters- in-law, Marian W. Little, Debra W. McCray, and Wanda (William) Hawkins; Gerry (Chandra) Reeves; and a supportive extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and bonus children, Raven, Nia, Mel, and friends.
Debra’s memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her. We will always remember her with joy in our hearts and gratitude for her remarkable life of service, faith, and love. She will be dearly missed but forever cherished in our memories.

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