Winnie Lou Readon was born May 28, 1938, in Sumter County. She was the daughter of Moses and Melvina-McElveen McDowell. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 29, 2024, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, SC.

She attended the public schools of Florence County. Even though she was small in statue she was known for her athletic abilities where she was point guard and led her high school basketball team to the championship. She worked many years prior to her sickness as a pillar of the community caring for children.

Winnie married the love of her dreams, Wesley J. Readon from this union, four sons and two girls were born, and they were the “apple of her eyes.”

She dedicated her life to Jehovah God in 1974 as a faithful servant until   her death. Despite her illness, one of her greatest joys was preaching and teaching the good news to everyone she encountered.

Winnie was affectionately known to her loved ones and intimate close friends as “Winnie the Pooh.”  She was a spiritual woman, loving, caring, hospitable, reserved, and incredibly. She had a down-to-earth personality that endeared her to all that knew her intimately. Winnie had fashionable sense when it came to her dress and style. During her spare time, she enjoyed cooking and showing hospitality to her family and friends.

Winnie was preceded in death by her parents, Moses and Melvina   McDowell, husband Wesley Readon, sons John Fitzgerald Readon and  Jimmy Lee Readon, brother Kenny McDowell, sisters Eliouse Pinkney and Sallie Singleton and life long friend Lillie Mae Fulton.

Winnie will be dearly missed by her children Johnny Readon of Camden,  SC, Wesley (Shirley) Readon of Effingham, SC, Rosa Watson of Florence, SC, Patty (Wayne) Mark of Lydia, SC; nine loving grandchildren Barbara (Derrick) Rogers  granddaughter she reared from birth, Isiah Wilson, Jr. devoted grandson, Rosa LaToya Readon-special and devoted granddaughter, Deven Wilson, Christopher (Latoya) Fleming, Laquashia Fleming, Wesley Fleming, Jaheim Readon, Jeremiah Readon; ten loving great-grandchildren Ondrea Rogers, Briyana Rogers, Aaliyah Wilson, Gavin Wilson, Jamerson Wilson, Jadia Wilson, Xavier Woods, Nigel Woods, Brock Fleming, Noah Fleming, Klay Readon, and Paloma Montiel;  one precious great-great grandchild Messiah Gee; one surviving sister  Connell Hannah of Lake City, SC; four sisters-in-law Nadine McDowell of Lake City, SC, Betty McDowell of Lake City, SC, Debra Hannah of Olanta, SC, and Mary McDowell; special niece and nephew, Janie Simpson an   Bobby Singleton of Sumter, SC; three special cousins Bobby Benjamin,  Moses Benjamin, and Charles Benjamin; her very dear and spiritual family Thelma Benbow, Janie Doughty, Berlin Johnson, Dorsey Russell, Daren Dicks, and Cora Russell; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, close relatives, and dear friends.