A Beautiful and Blessed Life

Rev. Booker T. Winchester was born On April 18, 1928 to Ibory and Julia Winchester of Scott Mississippi. With only a third-grade education, Rev. Winchester enlisted into the Unites States Marines Corp at age 17 (by changing his DOB) and completed his service with the rank of sergeant. After completion of his military service, he worked for the American Canning company in Chicago, IL. Rev. Winchester's acknowledged his call into the gospel Ministry and his first pastorate was in Chicago, IL. In 1951. In 1959 he served as Pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, El Campo, TX. He later organized and pastored Progressive Baptist Church, EL Campo, TX.

Rev. Winchester served as an evangelist, preaching revivals in Houston, San Antonio, Victoria and Aransas Pass, Texas. Word of mouth about this dynamic preacher (sometimes referred to as "Shotgun" ) spread and in 1971 he was called to pastor St. John First Baptist , Corpus Christi, TX.   During his time at St. John First, he held an eight-week tent revival on the corner of Port and Winnebago. Guest preachers were the late Rev. W. E. Gibbs, his brother Rev. E. E. Gibbs, Rev. Samuel B. Kyles (Memphis, TN), Rev. Dr. A Louis Paterson (Houston, TX), Rev. Billy Blade (Shreveport, Louisiana), Rev. George (Los Angeles California) and others whose names are not recorded. This was a historical and glorious time of preaching in Corpus Christ.

Rev. Winchester organized Community Baptist Church where he served as pastor. After returning to Aransas Pass, he united with Antioch Baptist Church in Aransas Pass and was soon called to pastor Grace Community Church in Woodsboro, TX. until his health began to fail him. He loved and appreciated the members of Grace Community Church and Grace loved him for his leadership and guidance.

Rev. Winchester married Sandra Perry Wilson (George) and to this union was born Samuel, Cornelius, and Nicole. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, father and mother, sister, Earnestine Winchester and daughter, Sonja Miller. His memory and legacy will be cherished by his son Charles Winchester, Samuel Winchester, Pastor Cornelius Winchester (Cynthia,) and daughter Nicole Sheppard (Jack) along with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters Annie Mae Yancy and Gladys McElroy (Pozell), three siblings in Greenville, MS, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The word of God was deeply rooted in the heart of Rev. Winchester and he shared it with all that listened. His presence will be greatly missed, but the lives he touched will live forever.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Services will be held on Friday, January 13, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Believe Church  4420 S. Staples St.