Deneice Winn

Deneice Winn was born August 10, 1951, in Lufkin, Texas to Charles Ray and Hallie Thompson Allen. After graduating from Lufkin High School, she attended Sam Houston State University, majoring in education. 

In 1986, she married Jay Winn, and they made their home in Marquez, Texas. For over forty years, Deneice was his rock and could be found by his side through decades of school events. They enjoyed riding dirt roads and reminiscing about the life they built together. While traveling to watch their children and grandchildren, an antique store was a likely stop. 

Deneice was a lifelong educator ranging from elementary school to TDCJ. She served and helped with multiple organizations, mostly those involving school and kids, and was always willing to put in the extra work to make sure everything was perfect. 

Deneice leaves a legacy of love. If you walked into her life, she loved you, and she prayed for you. As a dedicated school teacher, for over thirty years, she knew the importance of investing in the hearts and minds of every child who entered her room. If there was a child without, whether it was a meal or even clothes, she made sure to help take care of those needs. Those who called her Momma knew and felt her love in many ways. She was their biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and would drive anywhere to watch them do what they loved. That love sometimes pushed buttons when she gave them “the look,” but they always knew it was done in love. Her hugs could cure any scrape or heartbreak, and her words would lead her children back to comfort and a firm resolve. “Mrs. Winn”, or “Mrs.” was a bonus mom to so many, and she loved them too. Their home was often filled with extra kids, gathered around the biggest pot of homemade spaghetti, and laughing at the day’s events. If there weren’t enough beds, a pallet on the floor solved the problem. Her grandchildren exceeded all love. All it took was a phone call, and she was packing up to go babysit, rock them, watch them compete and perform, and they knew their Nonna loved them with her whole heart. From school kids to grandkids, she didn’t just wrap them in hugs, she wrapped them in prayers every single day of her life. Deneice also loved God. She was a devout and faithful christian. On a daily basis, she made it a priority to read her devotional and to journal about her life and relationship with her God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

She is survived by her husband of thirty-nine years, Jay Winn; sons, Thompson Myers (Traci), Jayson Winn (Dorothy), Toby Winn, and Matt Winn (Katy); daughter, Teresa Smith (Kyle); sister, Emily Allen; grandchildren, Josh Kirby, Barrett Myers (Sarah), Blaine Myers (Jaclyn), Tyler Winn, Thomas Winn, Owen Smith, and Kylee Smith; great-grandchildren, Sophia and Jenna Kirby and Presley and Banks Myers. If she could leave you with one piece of advice, from the bottom of her heart, it would be to love Jesus and show His love, by loving others.

A funeral service celebrating the remarkable life of Deneice Winn will be held 1 P.M., Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Josh Gafford and Jason Evans will officiate the service. Deneice will be laid to rest in Marquez Cemetery, Marquez, Texas. A time of visitation and sharing of memories will take place Friday, January 16, 2026, from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the funeral home.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.