Anita Elizabeth McCallan Winstead

On the 20th of February 1944, our beloved Anita Elizabeth McCallan Winstead was born - the first child to Rosmond and Bessie Elliott McCallan. Her birthplace was 816 Green Street, situated in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, Virginia. Her formative years were spent at 74 Grove Street, within the tight-knit community of Douglas Park, characterized by a strong sense of camaraderie among its inhabitants - the Gatlings, Murphys, and Twines - more family than neighbors. The Douglas Park Recreation Center provided Anita chances to socialize with friends and to attend dances, contingent upon the accompaniment of her younger sister "BB", who would only consent if Anita allowed her to wear her adored white pleated skirt. Anita completed her elementary education at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School having attended through the eighth grade. Subsequently, she transitioned to the Portsmouth Public School system and successfully completed her secondary studies, graduating in the June 1961 Class of I. C. Norcom High School. Highly intelligent and possessing a gift for administration, Anita had ambitions of being a court stenographer. In March 1962, a matrimonial union was celebrated between Anita and Robert Lee Winstead, Sr.; childhood friends, classmates, and high school sweethearts. This union was blessed with the births of five children; Lisa, Robert Jr. (Bobby), Gregory (Sean), Allison, and Angel. In addition to her roles as wife and mother, Anita engaged in gainful employment outside of the home. She initially worked at Star Band, where her duties involved the assembling of branches for the widely popular aluminum Christmas trees, but she came to the realization that this occupation was not suited to her preferences after two weeks of getting cut by slivers of spinning metal. She eventually secured a position in Washington, DC as a Foreign Accountant within the US Federal Government’s Treasury Department, retiring from this role after a distinguished career spanning 35 years. Anita was an example of what faith, strength, resilience, and fortitude can accomplish, and she set a path for her family. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in the District of Columbia for many years, overseeing fundraisers and their annual Mardis Gras celebration. Family gatherings found Anita in the kitchen preparing her famous yeast rolls, homemade cakes, dressing, or seafood lasagne while listening to Al Green, Teddy P, The Delfonics, or Bob Marley. Many times she ventured to Howard University with a trunk full of welcomed and appreciated snacks for her daughter and her friends. Some still reminisce about those days and fondly ask “How’s Ma doing?” Health conditions later in life allowed for the creation of new friendships, and the opportunity to become a source of wisdom and guidance for many young people in the Maryland/DC area. Those cherishing memories, honoring Anita, and carrying on her legacy include Robert Lee Winstead, Sr. and their children; Lisa Winstead Sloan (Lonnie III), Robert L. Winstead, Jr. “Bobby”, Gregory Sean Winstead (Isilma), Allison R. Winstead, and Angel D. Winstead, grandchildren; Dominique S. Fox, Jordan L. Sloan, Miles I. Sloan, and Quincy S. Winstead, great-grands; Axton Miles Sloan and Tyson Sean Xavier Fox, siblings; Barrie M. Briggs, Valerie T. Twine (Ray), Floyd R. “Ricky” McCallan, Brian A. McCallan, Rita D. McCallan, Darron L. McCallan, Darlene M. Graham, nieces, nephews, cousins, countless extended family, and treasured friends from her 80 years of this life. Anita Elizabeth McCallan Winstead loved her family. She especially doted on her grandchildren and great-grands, who loved her immensely, and affectionately call her “Grandma Juice” and “Birthday Juice” respectively. It’s family stuff… we know what it means. The pain felt by her passing is indescribable and her physical presence is indeed sorely missed. “Ma”, “Nita”, “Neet”..., til we meet again, we will hold you in our being. xoxo

Anita Elizabeth McCallan Winstead

February 20, 1944 - June 22, 2024