Denise Gay Winn

Denise Gay Winn, 65, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Merkel, Texas. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Denise was born on May 31, 1960, in Odessa, Texas, to Virgil and Joy Jones. On April 21, 1975, she married the love of her life, Calvin Winn, and together they shared 51 wonderful years filled with laughter, love, and devotion. A proud graduate with an associate degree in bookkeeping, Denise worked for many years as a bookkeeper. However, her most cherished and fulfilling role was that of a wife, mother, and "Nanny." Caring for her family was her life's greatest joy.

Denise had a free spirit and a heart as big as Texas. A self-proclaimed hippie, she lived life with kindness, generosity, and warmth-always ready to lend a hand or give the shirt off her back. She was never known to say "no" to anyone in need. Often seen carrying her signature 20-pound purse, Denise filled her life with things that brought her joy-dream catchers, jewelry, and the love of her family.

To her beloved grandchildren, she was "Nanny," a source of endless love and comfort. To the "boys," she was "Dusty," a nickname that carried with it years of affection and memories. Denise loved deeply and unconditionally. Her spirit, laughter, and love will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her grandson, Jacob Copeland, her father and stepmother, Virgil and Delores Jones, grandmother, Shirley Johnson, and siblings, Charles Winn, Jimmy Winn, and Stephanie Jones.

Denise is survived by her husband, Calvin Winn Sr.; her mother, Joy Winn; her children, Dawn Harbert and husband Richard, Jamie Polk and husband Roy, and Calvin Winn Jr. and wife Meagon; her grandchildren, Stefanie Saldivar (Ivan), Richard Harbert (Susie), Shelby Copeland, Dillion Copeland (Elizabeth), Kaci Crouse (Caylub), James Harbert (Alexis), Evelyn Winn, Ian Winn, Addie Rodgers, and Tyler Dukes, her great grandchildren, Avery, Sawyer, Everly, Westyan, Asher, Luke, Porter, Sadie, and Ellie; her siblings, Richard Winn, Bryan Winn, and Melanie Winn; and her nephew, Jimmy Dale Winn Jr.

She loved us all very well and will be missed always.