Edna Winford

Brown

Edna W. Brown (nee Travillion) was born on January 27, 1934 in Port Gibson, MS, the only child born into the union of Ethel and Joseph Travillion, both of whom proceeded her in death.

Edna professed Christ at an early age and served her early church home well.

Edna was united in holy matrimony to Booker T. Winford, who proceeded her in death. To this union,six (6) children were born. She later married Gerald Brown.

Guided by her love for education, her passion for music and her desire to have a positive effect of young minds, Edna received her Bachelor's Degree in Education (and Music) from Rust College and later, a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University. She had a long and successful career as an educator in the Tallahatchie County School District for 33 years. During which time, she quickly earned the respect of her peers and the love of her many students who, to this day, share fond memories of her as their "favorite teacher".

Edna was a faithful member of St. Paul C.M.E Church where she held several leadership positions, including pianist, choir director, church secretary, and taught Sunday School for many years. She received countless well- deserved accolades and special recognition for her service, dedication and devotion, including the distinguished title of being the oldest living member. She was also a faithful and dedicated servant to Taylor Chapel, CME Church. Edna didn't just serve as a faithful member of her church, her everyday life served as an exemplary example of her Christian principles as she was a humble, giving, kind, compassionate soul with a forgiving heart and a gentle spirit. She was slow to anger and very quick to forgive. Her quite nature only served to conceal her true giant spirit and that immeasurable STRENGTH that lay beneath her beautiful smile. In short, she lived a Christian life that pleased GOD…… "Well done my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).

Edna also had a passion for community service and used her organizational gifts to serve as member of many clubs, organization with many affiliations. She was a long-time member of the Charleston Day Club, the NAACP, East Tallahatchie Housing Association. She was also a member of the Retired Teacher's Association and volunteered with a host of other clubs and organizations. Her humble service was her gift to humanity as directed by GOD…… "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others" (1 Peter 4:10).

In addition to her passion for serving her church and community, Edna also had several other passions in which she indulged. She LOVED music and wanted to share that gift and instill that love in others, by offering private Piano lessons. Her appreciation for the Arts also led her to compose several musical arrangements in her early life, then go on to write many poems where she expressed her deep sentiments about life, love, children and her faith.

Edna leaves to cherish her precious memory, her devoted children; Odell Knight (Daida), Kenneth Winford, Simone Terry (Calvin), Dierdre Fannon, Barbara Holliday (Kirk), Michael Winford (Deborah), Sonya Prophett (Raffel); One brother, Joseph Travillion; 16 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a host devoted friends.