Death can be bittersweet

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On July 4th 2018, Winnie Coffman Poteete passed away. Sometimes in death while sad, it brings out the best in all people including the person who has passed. Unfortunately, the stories of Winnie on her bad days clouded the person that she could be on a good day while I knew her on this earth. Winnie was active in the officers club no matter what city/airforce base the family was currently living at. And they lived in many cities over the years - Athens, Elkmont, DC, Atlanta, Dayton Ohio, California, Oklahoma. While Uncle Johnny was off fighting wars, Winnie was not only home being a single mom with the kids, but she also was active in the local theaters in many of these postings. Not only did she help with the scenery and costumes, she starred in them! We got to see articles and photographs of this side of her - the likes of which I never knew about her. She was a model for the local malls perfumeries in Atlanta. She trained the retail staff on how to show and sell perfume (Chloe) after the kids were out of school. I learned that she made the cross in her Methodist Church in Elkmont - something I never would have guessed she had done. It was huge, and she made it herself out of wood and putty and paint. Her home in Elkmont was a testament to her great design sense - especially for southern flair. She was a fashion statement when out in public. In her teenage years, very prim and proper, all the way to the 70s where she was all about the jumpsuit and accessorizing with the latest cool shades. I think if I had had a chance to know this side of Winnie while she was alive, I would have really enjoyed hanging out with her. She was devoted to Uncle Johnny's military career and higher education - she used to type his papers whe wrote for his PhD. I know that Winnie is in a much better place now, and I think we all can feel good about her not suffering anymore. I always knew Winnie was a vivacious, creative beautiful lady, but in her death I learned so much more about her good side than I ever witnessed during her life. And I am thankful and have been impacted by this.  

 <<<<This posting is for July 4, 2018>>>>

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