Barbara Anne Spencer Winslett

Barbara Anne Spencer Winslett was born November 29, 1928 in Mobile, AL to Mary Virginia and Capt. Burford Alonzo Spencer. Early in her life, the Spencer family moved frequently, following orders for Capt. Spencer during his time in both the Army and as a commander for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The many places she called home included Key West, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Uriah AL, Seattle, WA and Lakehurst, NJ. Because the moves were so frequent, several times "home" was in the form of temporary housing like a boarding house or CCC camp. In those places, the family formed strong bonds with other transient families and frequently related many interesting stories of "back in the day." Eventually, the Spencer family found its way to Tallahassee where her father owned and ran the local 7-Up soft drink bottling company. One stop along the way was Mobile, AL with her beloved grandfather and grandmother, Dr. William Chapman and Mary Virginia Chapman. Doting on Barbara, Dr. Chapman would sometimes arrive home in his horse drawn carriage with a surprise for her, including a small puppy or a small songbird, pulled from his suit coat pocket. And, another surprise was soon to come in the form of a little sister, Mary Warren when Barbara was sixteen years old, whom she adored. While in Key West, with her father commanding an artillery battery, she would witness history, seeing the flashing lights of periodic nighttime naval battles off the coast as the Navy and US Merchant Marine engaged in battle with German U-Boats. Barbara attended Leon High School in Tallahassee and went on to continue her education at the University of Alabama in Home Economics with an emphasis in Textiles. While at University, she was inducted into the Honor Society and was also a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. After graduation in 1951, she continued to be an active alumnus and was involved with the DG Chapter at Florida State where her sister had also pledged. She began her career in Atlanta where she was immediately hired by Rich's Department Store, rising to the position of Buyer. But her corporate career was not to last long. As fate would have it, while at University, she caught the eye of a fellow student who convinced her to marry him on his way to Naval Flight Training. Ensign Ernest Roy Winslett and Barbara were married in 1952 in Tallahassee and began what she recalled as a never-ending adventure. While Roy served in the Navy as a helicopter pilot or later commanding aircraft maintenance facilities, they traveled the world including postings in California, Hawaii, Key West, Pensacola, New Jersey and Rota, Spain. While stationed for three years in Spain, the Winslett family of six was able to enjoy the Continental culture, including car camping throughout Europe and various excursions on the continent. After Roy's retirement, the decision was made to return to Tallahassee to finish raising their children. In their retirement years, they did anything but retire. They opened an antique shop, JoWins Antiques, on Mahan Drive in 1971. Later, after Roy decided he enjoyed selling real estate, they went on to establish Lafayette Realty/BHG in the same location. Barbara “inherited” the antique business and then moved to real estate salesperson and later broker. At one point, she was managing an office of real estate associates and a 40+ unit property management firm. Barbara enjoyed living in Tallahassee, watching her children grow and them gradually leaving home, starting their own families and careers. She spoke to or saw her sister Mary every day and enjoyed the relaxed and southern lifestyle, including going to the coast for fresh seafood, finding overlooked treasurers by prowling antique shops in town and Thomasville. True to her schooling, she also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and quilting. Later, she had a regular Saturday morning appointment watching quilting shows on television. Barbara was a kind and loving person that never had a bad word for anyone. Those who knew Barbara knew that she had a unique way of answering the telephone with a laugh and a smile in her voice. We are certain that her beloved dogs Shyster, Pooch, Amigo and Popeye were the first ones to greet her upon her passing. Barbara will be sorely missed by her friend and family. Barbara is survived by her four children, Christine (Carl), Ernie (Paulette), Don (Martha) and Lori (Rick); 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Also, she claims a special "brother" status for her cousin, Navy Capt. Robert Spencer, with whom she also grew up with and loved dearly. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Roy, and her sister, Mary Warren Spencer Perkins (Everall). There will be a graveside service on Saturday, August 15th, 9:00 a.m. at Roselawn Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Leon County Humane Society or animal shelter of your choice. The family would also like to express their appreciation to her caregivers, especially Rhonda, Linda and Carol for loving companionship and excellent care. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

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Barbara Anne Spencer Winslett

November 29, 1928 - August 12, 2020