Jimmie Fern Hefley Winstead, 84, of Harrison, a faith filled and courageous woman of God passed away on Sunday, July 31 (2022) while residing with her sister, Patricia (Patsy) Ann Hefley Henderson.

The daughter of Frederick (Fred) Joseph Hefley and Hester Hosanna Foster Hefley was born Jan. 12, 1938, at Mt. Judea. She was the fifth child born into a home "Way Back in the Hills." The Hefley home was filled with love in which the family welcomed three more siblings within the next few years. The love of God, family, country and education were four priorities. Example, hard work, perseverance and persuasion were in the doing rather than the talking. Their home lacked in luxury but was luxurious in love. Jimmie and her siblings were no strangers to responsibilities or compromised when it came to honesty. Everyone was expected to do their "labor of love."

At an early age, Jimmie developed all these character traits in her own quiet way. She was never one to "toot her own horn" but excelled in doing it for others. Friends came easily due to her cheerful attitude. Mt. Judea school system provided her 12 years education and many skills. So much so that at the age of 17, Sears & Roebuck Headquarters in Missouri hired and advanced her into a key position in personnel. She retired after 25 years. She became a Christian at an early age and remained so throughout her life.

Jimmie married the love of her life, Cecil Winstead on June 12, 1955, in Mt. Judea, prior to beginning her career at Sears. She was a member of Capps Road Church of Christ and enjoyed acapella music, musical instruments and was a skilled pianist and played the guitar. She was loving and kind, appreciating all God's creations, except bees, wasps and lizards. Spare time was spent in planting and growing beautiful flowers. She loved animals, especially cats. In 2016, her health declined and much time was spent enjoying God's creations, deer, squirrels, trees and birds. Throughout her life, great effort was spent on staying healthy. She was very disciplined in eating and exercising. She overcame even the temptation of eating things that weren't particularly nutritious by bringing her own snacks to the party.

She read her Bible every day until her eyesight failed due to Parkinson's disease. Jimmie will be remembered as a gracious lady, an example in the way she kept confidences and valued privacy. Following her retirement, she and Cecil became entrepreneurs in different businesses. Their life together involved travel and eventually brought them back to Harrison in 2009 to retire to those "hills" from which she began her mortal journey. Jimmie loved reunions with relatives and friends, especially Saturday morning breakfasts at Hardee's, then when her health declined, breakfasts were hosted by her sister Patsy at her home.

Shortly following her husband's death, her sister Patsy started overseeing her ups and downs of life. February 2015, Jimmie decided it would be best to live with her sister Patsy as her health issues increased and more assistance was needed. She resided there until her death. She formed a sense of protection with the family dog, Boh.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cecil, in 2012. What a glorious day of reunion they must be having with her beloved parents, Fred and Hester Hefley; her three brothers and sisters-in-law, James Carl (Marti) Hefley Jr., PhD., Howard J. (Lillian) Hefley and John Paul (Patsy) Hefley; brothers-in-law, William Burdine, Jimmy Stewart and Larry Henderson; her special aunt, Delta Winstead; and cousin, Clyde Hefley. There are countless grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Yes, she will see her companions, Pixie, Fluffy and Ozie.

What days of joy the eternities hold because of the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jimmie Fern Hefley Winstead will be there to reunite with precious memories to flood the soul. Look for her at the piano. She is there to welcome each of us.

Jimmie's survivors include four sisters, Betty Loucile Burdine, Mary Louise Stewart, Freddie Gelease (Sheldon) Walker, and Patricia (Patsy) Ann Henderson, all of Harrison, and sisters-in-law, Betty Winstead Law, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Marilyn Winstead of Raymore, Missouri.

Special recognition for loving caregivers, Tyler, Tracey and Michael Rogers for always being there "filling the gaps" with such tender loving care during "rough patches." Through your service, you were able to improve her quality of life. As her sisters, we greatly appreciate the many acts of service in her behalf. Thank you!

Honorary pallbearers include George Bullock, Billy Burdine, Boyce Burdine, Rocky Garrison, Dr. Billy Frank Hefley, Donald Hefley, Ed Law, Michael Rogers, Tyler, Rogers, Joshua Tripp and Sheldon Walker.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison, with Ted Reeves officiating. Following the service, there will be a graveside service with burial at Mt. Judea Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Mt. Judea Cemetery, c/o Lena Gregory, 2076 NC 6310, Mount Judea, AR 72655.

Special thanks to Dr. Tom Leslie-Leslie Clinic, Sam Alexander Pharmacy and Legacy Hospice, all of Harrison. The family is so very appreciative of the support that all those present today have provided. It has brought comfort and peace to us. We will forever cherish the memories of our beloved Jimmie and your acts of kindness.