Eunice Marie Royster Winston

October 16, 1933 – February 1, 2024

Eunice Marie Royster Winston of Grassy Creek, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024, at the age of 90, in Oxford, North Carolina. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, at 1 p.m., at the Grassy Creek Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member. Pastor Cameron Currin will officiate. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in the Grassy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Sossaman Funeral Home of Oxford, NC, is handling the arrangements.

She was born on October 16, 1933, in the Oak Hill community of Granville County. She was a graduate of Oak Hill High School. Eunice and her husband, David Winston, were married on October 10, 1952. Eunice and David were dedicated to their family, agriculture, and local commerce. The Winston family farm, recognized by North Carolina as one of its oldest continuously operated farms in the state, was a testament to their commitment to the land, producing tobacco, corn, soybeans, and timber for 110 years. Eunice and David loved hunting and spent many hours together in the field in pursuit of adventure. In addition to their other endeavors, the Winstons served the Grassy Creek community through their Winston Self-Service Store for over 30 years. Winston Self-Service was where you could buy anything from sweet potatoes to work boots. Locals gathered there for rest and respite and to gain the latest community news. Eunice was the heart and soul of the store, and she dedicated herself to providing everything the community needed at a fair price.

Eunice Winston's role extended beyond that of a farmer and merchant. She was a dedicated member of the Grassy Creek Baptist Church, offering her leadership as a member of the Grounds Committee, Girls Auxiliary Leader, and the Women's Missionary Union. Her unwavering faith and service left an indelible mark on her community.

Surviving Mrs. Winston is her daughter, Jean Marie, and husband, Colonel Howard Borst, granddaughter Lauren Marie Borst, and close family friend Laura Ascencio; she is also survived by sisters Merle

Matthews and Carolyn Hobgood and her husband, Major General Mack Hobgood, and brother-in-law Julian Winston (Nancy).

She is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, David, daughter Rebecca Winston Desrosiers; her parents, Willie Dwight and Wilhemina Katurah Royster, brothers Bobby Royster and Willie Royster (Willie Lee); and sisters, Vivian Hart (Ed), Tura Lee Sonnett and Beth Vaughan (Taylor), sister-in-law Marion Winston Dean (Francis).

The Winston family extends heartfelt gratitude to the medical and nursing staff of Granville Medical Center and Brantwood Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care. We also recognize the loving support of Mrs. Phyllis Jones as her daily caregiver.

Her love marks Eunice Winston's legacy for her family, tireless work ethic, and deep commitment to her faith and community. She will be profoundly missed by all who know her, leaving behind a legacy that will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.