Wanda Winecoff

Clyde- Wanda Mae Sams Winecoff, 90, passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, after a 14 year fight against Alzheimer’s.

She was born January 10, 1928 in Yancey County to the late Thomas Fuller and Lela Sprinkle Sams and was the wife of the late Reverend George H. Winecoff.  In addition to her parents and husband, Wanda was preceded in death by three brothers, Jacob Sams, Emmett Sams and Thomas Fuller Sams; and one sister, Wiloree Sams.

After graduating from Bald Creek High School, Wanda attended Mars Hill College and Berea College graduating with a BS in Home Economics.  Wanda began her career as a high school Home Economics teacher in Marshall, later becoming a home agent with the North Carolina Extension Services first in Mitchell County and then in Henderson County.

Wanda and George were married for 39 years.  She accepted her responsibilities as a Methodist minister’s wife very seriously as they joyfully served churches and congregations throughout western North Carolina.

Soon after she and her family moved to Haywood County in 1968, she was hired by Haywood Community College as the Director of Arts and Crafts in continuing education.

She traveled around the county visiting classes, taking care of administrative duties, and welcoming class participants.  Her smiling face was easily recognized throughout the county.  Her boundless energy and enthusiasm never wavered as she performed job responsibilities, continued church work, and nurtured her family.  After retiring in 1993, she remained active visiting nursing homes and shut-ins, fulfilling church work, gardening, spending time with friends and caring for her family.  She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be greatly missed.

Wanda is survived by three daughters, Mary Groh (Larry) of Memphis, Tennessee, Hannah Cabe (Dick) of Maggie Valley, and Elizabeth Enloe (Randy) from Rutherfordton; six grandchildren; Kristen and Katherine Cabe of New York City, Sarah Enloe Howell (Justin) and Rachel Enloe of Raleigh, Rebecca Groh of Fort Collins, Colorado, and George Groh of Nashville, Tennessee, two great grandchildren, Hayden and Paisley Howell of Raleigh; and a godson, Curtis Taylor of Spruce Pine.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Clyde Central United Methodist Church where she has been an active member for many years with the Reverend Roy F. Watkins and Reverend Chris Westmoreland officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to Clyde Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 8, Clyde, NC   28721 or Haywood Lodge, 251 Shelton Street, Waynesville, NC   28786.

Wanda’s family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Haywood Lodge for the exceptional care and love she received for the past nine months.

The care of Mrs. Winecoff has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com