Thelma Tokie Winn

Thelma Tokie Winn, age 89, of Niceville, FL, passed away at her home on June 23, 2018.  A beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was born July 5, 1928 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, where she spent her youth and remained until she met Lorenzo A. (L.A.) Winn, who was stationed there with the Air Force.  Thelma and L.A. married and spent the next 56 years together. L.A. passed in 2004.

After regular relocations during many years of military assignments, Thelma and L.A. settled in Valparaiso, Florida in 1966.  Thelma then began a 25-year career as a bookkeeper at the Duncan Amusement Company, where she was a diligent and hard worker.  She loved her job and the people she worked with, and over the years the Duncans became like a second family to her.

After L.A. passed, Thelma moved in with her youngest daughter, Sharon Smith; son-in-law, Bob Smith; and grandson, Jacob Smith, then 4 years old.  Thelma lived with the Smiths until she passed, and during that time became like a second mother to Jacob. 

Nothing made Thelma happier or more proud than her family.  She is survived by her four children, Sandra Sauer of Glendale, Arizona; Richard Winn of Leesburg, Virginia; Barbara Kitchen of Alexandria, Virginia; and Sharon Smith of Niceville, Florida.  Thelma loved and enjoyed spending time with her ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom dearly miss her.  She is also survived by five sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her two brothers; and one granddaughter.

Thelma was kind and compassionate with a good sense of humor.  She was the epitome of a grandmother:  all those who knew her called her "Grandma."  Though she didn't enjoy cooking, she always made sure that nobody left her home hungry.  She enjoyed going for car rides, usually with her daughter Sharon driving.  She kept up on local and national events, reading the newspaper every morning.  And she loved being outdoors, often passing the time by tending to the garden.

Family and friends will gather at the Heritage Gardens Funeral Home, 2201 N. Partin Drive, Niceville, Florida on Thursday, July 5th at 2:00 p.m. for a time of visitation with the Memorial Service starting at 3:00 pm.

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