Winifred Maude Pickell, aka “Winnie The Diva”, was the second of ten children born to David Samuel Plummer and Emily Byfield-Plummer in Kingston, Jamaica, British West Indies.
Winnie migrated to the United States of America during her youth and received her citizenship in 1953. She resided in New York City for numerous years. Winifred was a diligent student. She graduated from Washington Irving High School with honors. Winifred continued her educational journey and went on to receive an Associate Degree in addition to Certifications in the medical field.
During her tenure at NYC Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Winifred’s work ethic and attention to detail earned her a supervisory position which she served in for many years. After retiring from Metropolitan Life, Winnie went on to work at New York’s exclusive, Bergdorf Goodman Company Store. There she worked in couture. She did special orders and VIP fittings for celebrities some of which included Zsa Zsa Gabor, Diana Ross and Oprah Winfrey.
After moving from New York City to Florida in 1998, Winnie secured a position at Diamond Ridge where her medical knowledge, expertise, charm and dedication made her patient’s experiences brighter.
Winifred met the love of her life, Thomas Richard Pickell Jr., in Harlem, New York City at Mount Olivet Baptist Church. As the story goes, Winnie was playing Beethovan’s, “Moonlight Sonata”, on the piano. Tommy heard her rendition, came by, and told her to stop playing and move over so that he could show her how the Sonata was ” supposed” to be played. That demonstration turned into a courtship and marriage that took place on September 6, 1953 and has lasted sixty-four years. From this union, a daughter, Donna Marie Pickell-Ridley and a son, Carl Thomas Pickell was born.
Winnie never allowed grass to grow under her feet. She traveled the world during her seventeen plus cruise excursions on various ships. She enjoyed traveling to different countries, meeting new people and visiting wonderful sites in luxury and comfort. Miss Winnie was known for her culinary skills and her flair for interior design. Her extraordinary reputation always preceded her. If Winnie prepared the meal you were guaranteed a finger licking good time in an aesthetically beautiful, classy, environment.
Winifred grew up in a Christian household. She learned at an early age that Jesus Christ is Lord. She spent her life evangelizing and showing the goodness of God by offering all of talents to help improve the lot of others.
Winifred Maude Pickell, transitioned this life on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband; Thomas Richard Pickell Jr., daughter; Donna Marie Pickell- Ridley, son; Carl Thomas Pickell, grandchildren; Malik Andweleh Ridley, Carla Pickell, Carlton Pickell, siblings; Hermine Dodson, Merle Plummer, David Earl Plummer ( Lois), Vernon Barry Plummer ( Ruby), Errol Plummer (Josephine), and Beverly Jennings ( Lawrence), nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of wonderful friends.
There is a bridge of memories from earth to heaven above. It keeps our dear ones near us. It is the bridge that we call love. Done in sorrow, Submitted in Love, The Pickell Family.
The first of 2 celebration of life services for Winnie will take place Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 3:00 PM at the Beverly Hills Baptist Church, Beverly Hills, FL with Reverend Marple Lewis III officiating. Friends may call at the church beginning at 2:00 PM until the hour of service.
The 2nd celebration of Winnie’s life is planned for Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church in New York City, N.Y. Friends may call at the church beginning at 6:00 PM. Entombment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, New York on Friday, September 8, 2017. Florida arrangements are under the direction of the Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory, Inverness, FL.
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