Winifred Kilpatrick

Portrait of Life   Winifred Kilpatrick was born on September 2, 1917 in Saratoga, MS, just outside of Hattiesburg, MS, to Jefferson Davis & Nellie Mae McWhorter.  Winifred was one of four siblings.  She had two brothers, Charles and Robert; and one sister Corrine.  When she was 2 years old, the family moved to Brandon, MS, where she lived there until she graduated from high school at 18.  Her family moved to Monroe, LA upon her graduation.   Winifred’s father, Davis, worked for the Illinois Central Railroad.  Davis was “bumped” from his position, which was common in those days.  Because it was important to Davis to ensure all of his children received a college education, he chose to move to Monroe, LA because of the college opportunities at Northeast College in Monroe and Louisiana Tech in Ruston.  Winifred graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1939 with a degree in teaching.   While recruited by multiple school districts upon her graduation, Winifred taught 34 years in the Monroe School District.  She taught 31 of the 34 years at Georgia Tucker Elementary School.  She taught the last three years at Lexington Elementary School.  Winifred taught fourth grade for several years until a first grade teaching position became available.  This was the grade that she preferred.  Winifred was recognized for her teaching skills and was offered a promotion to Principal, a position she “tested” for several months.  However, she truly loved the children and remained a teacher throughout her career until she retired in 1973.   Winifred married Elvin on August 21, 1948.  Winifred was 29 and Elvin was 32.  Winifred & Elvin celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, just weeks prior to Elvin’s passing in 2008.  They dated three years before marrying.  When asked if it was loved at first sight, Winifred replied that she liked Elvin a lot but she had to think about marrying him!  She often commented on how much Elvin loved her throughout their marriage.  The last thing he said to her before passing was that “I love you very much.”  It is a memory that she always cherished.   Winifred & Elvin were blessed with one son, Ted.  Winifred was a very good mother to Ted along with her adopted daughters, Ann, Ted’s wife, and Lynda, Ted’s sister-in-law.  Ted began dating Ann, when he was 17 and she was 13.  Lynda was just 2 years old.  Winifred played an important role raising all of them!  Winifred always raised Ted to be a good husband and would constantly tell him as he was doing domestic chores that one day his future wife would appreciate her because Ted could take care of cleaning and washing, just like his dad did!  Ann very much appreciated Winifred and her foresight on raising such a great son!   In Winifred’s 41 years of retirement, she and Elvin traveled extensively throughout all 50 states.  Their favorite destination was Gatlinburg, TN, which is where they celebrated their 50th anniversary on a trip with Ted & Ann.  In addition, Winifred loved to cook and entertain for others, needlework and various crafts, along with all types of games and puzzles.    Winifred & Elvin moved to Mesquite, TX in 1999, where they made The Waterford at Mesquite their home.  Winifred was the last surviving charter member having been one of the very first residents to move into the facility upon its opening in 1999.   Winifred has been a life-long member of the United Methodist Church in both Monroe and Mesquite.   Winifred passed away on April 8, 2014 and leaves to cherish her memory her son Ted, and daughter-in-law Ann.  Extended family includes Lynda Humble, Dora Lee Kilpatrick, Susan Venable, Sally Cooper, numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, and hosts of friends.   A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Winifred on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. at The Waterford at Mesquite, Main Dining Room, 700 North Town East Boulevard, Mesquite, TX 75150.   A gravesite ceremony will be held on Friday, April 18, 2014 at 3:00 p.m in Monroe, LA at the Mulhearn Cemetery, 623 U.S. Highway 80, Monroe, LA. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.