Winefred Vail

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16  

This celebration of life for MRS. WINEFRED E. VAIL, who was called home to be with the Lord, honors a woman whose heart, faith, and generosity touched everyone she encountered.  She was born on August 17, 1951, in Screven, Georgia. She was the fourth of eleven children born to her late parents, Randolph and Carrie Bell Brown.  

She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age under the leadership of Pastor Johnathan Green of Screven, Georgia. Later, she moved to Brunswick, Georgia, under the leadership of the late District Willie Charles Mitchell of St. Andrews Holiness Church and Elder Daren B. West of Living Word Worship Center. This commitment shaped her life and guided her steps.

She attended Wayne County High School and later earned her GED in Brunswick, Georgia. As she continued her life’s journey, she married the late Hosea Vail, with whom she shared a deep love for fishing, family cookouts, and spending time surrounded by loved ones. Their home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and open doors. Winefred was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and she lived her life in service to others. Anyone who crossed her path was welcomed, fed, and lovingly claimed as “her child.” Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her family she mothered her community with kindness and compassion. She was an extraordinary mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose love was steady and abundant. Winefred also served her community faithfully through her dedication to church ministry, giving her time, energy, and heart to the work of the Lord. 

Winefred E. Vail was preceded in death by her parents; son, Lamon Davis; grandson, D’Shon Harrison; siblings, Eddie L. Brown, Sr., Margaret D. Nelson, Henritta G. Brooks, and Katherine L. Thomas. 

She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith. Her memory will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. She leaves behind her children, Felisha Fairell, Vanessa Davis, Demetria (Harry) Harrison; LaTasha Wood, Thomas (Altrosica) Wood III, Chavitia Vail, and Walter (Rosemary) Burns; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; siblings, Carrie M. (Alabama) of Burnett Spring Cave, Georgia, Isabell Myles of Keystone Height, Florida, Thelma D. (James) Shellman, Estella (Ralpheal) Carrasquillo, Randolph (Gloria) Brown, Patricia B. Mincey; uncle, Leroy Clark; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.