Winstead Barnes

DEACON WINSTEAD BARNES, SR. of 3501 Tulsa Road, Gwynn Oak, MD, answered his call from his Heavenly Father on April 23, 2024 at Gilchrist Hospice Center, Towson, MD. Born on September 21, 1950 to the late Sarah (Phelphs) Barnes and Robert Lee Barnes, Winstead was educated in the Petersburg Public School System in Petersburg, VA, and graduated from Peabody High School in 1969. Soon after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, and joined the US Army. Winstead served honorably for 3 years, and later as a reservist for many years as a mechanic. He later attended and graduated from Virginia State College. As a certified master mechanic, Winstead first honed his mechanical, carpentry, plumbing and electrical skills working with his father at a young age. He worked for years at a local gas station (Ford’s Gulf). He later work for the City of Petersburg as a mechanic, and as owner of Winstead’s Garage, in Petersburg, VA for most of his career. His head was always under the hood of a car, working and teaching both formally and informally. During his early years when he wasn’t under the hood, you could find him working with music as a local DJ. Winstead answered his first calling to God as a child, when he was baptized at Good Sheppard Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA in his hometown neighborhood known as the Delectable Heights. He then went on to obey his Heavenly Father when he answered his calling as a deacon in the ministry. He was first ordained at Unity Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA. Deacon Barnes was an avid teacher of the Word. He was a man of few words, so when he spoke, you had to listen closely to get the lesson or the joke. This especially held true during his employment in the mental health field. In 2009, Winstead married the love of his life, the late Denise Barnes, where they built a life together in Baltimore, MD. From this union he gained 2 bonus children, 3 bonus grandchildren, and a dedicated mother-in-law/love. While living in Baltimore, Winstead made numerous friends wherever he went, which was in line with the great love that he had for his network of hometown friends, family, and especially his children, whom he was always so proud to speak about. During his journey about Baltimore, Winstead found a home with Ray of Hope Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD, where he was also ordained and served as a deacon. To his family, Winstead was the “Great Oak” that had deep roots and stood tall no matter the weather. He was always the person there when someone became ill, and needed to be cared for. As a caregiver, he took care of his mother and younger brother in their time of illness, and was also caring for his older sister. He will be forever missed. He is preceded in death by his parents Sarah and Robert Barnes, devoted and loving wife Denise Barnes, siblings Sadie Mitchell, Carrie Purvis, Josephine Barnes, and Larry Barnes, half-siblings Robert “Levy” Barnes, James Barnes, Fred Barnes, and Alice Barnes. Winstead leaves to cherish his memory: his 4 children, Demetria Barnes-Clark (Calvin) of Petersburg, VA, Shanta Neverson of Tampa, FL, Winstead Barnes Jr. of Santa Domingo, DR, and Kamiya Lewis of Chester, VA; bonus son, Melvin Stanton Jr. and bonus daughter, Melva Ofosu (Bafuor); grandchildren, Arnisha Carter, Sean Carter, Christopher Neverson, Maya Neverson, Kevin Neverson, all of Tampa, FL, and Ka’Seana Lewis of Chester, VA; 3 bonus grandchildren, Justina Ofosu, Justin Ofosu, and Angelo Stanton; 2 great-grandchildren, Kailani Carter and Kash Carter; sisters, Catherine Haynes, Lillian Phelphs, Lucille Quinones, and Gloria Lassiter; brother, Elson Barnes, and devoted brother, Herbert Barnes; devoted mother-in-law, Deacon Bernice Hall; brothers-in-law, Percy Edward (Pat), Emilio Fogg (Jacqueline), and Rashaad Fogg (Kamese); sisters-in-law, Hattie Kenyada, Minyun Fogg, and Akosua Yeboah; devoted lifetime friend “like a brother,” Harold Lewis; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family

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Winstead Barnes

September 21, 1950 - April 23, 2024