Winora Duffey

Winora Duffey was a vibrant, confident, and unforgettable woman whose life was marked by faith, service, and an extraordinary love for people. Born on January 5, 1951, she was the cherished daughter of the late Herbert and Mary Lee Butts. From an early age, Winora's outgoing personality, warm smile, and fearless confidence made her someone others naturally gravitated toward.

She graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1969 and went on to attend vocational school, laying the foundation for a strong work ethic that would carry her through a successful career. Winora retired from Holley's Colts Industrial, closing that chapter with pride and gratitude for the relationships she built along the way.

Faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was baptized at Eleventh Street Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and throughout her journey she remained deeply committed to her walk with God. She was a faithful member of New Bethel Baptist Church and later Woodburn First Baptist Church before joining Next Level Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Samuel K. Hunter Jr. Her faith was active and visible through service, encouragement, and love. She volunteered faithfully at church and in nursing homes, always ready to uplift others with her presence, kindness, and joy.

Winora was truly multifaceted. She loved life and lived it boldly. Her favorite colors, red and orange, reflected her vibrant personality and confident spirit. She found joy in bowling, playing cards, bingo nights, trips to the casino, walking the mall, and most of all, spending time with her family. A natural people person, Winora thrived wherever laughter, conversation, and connection were present. Known affectionately by her family nickname, "Woman," she was strong, outspoken, loving, and unapologetically herself.

Winora's commitment to service ran deep, especially for her beloved Prince Hall families. Sister Duffey gave decades of devoted leadership, loyalty, and heart to the organizations she served. She was a Loyal Lady of Robert B. Kendall Jr. Assembly No. 81; Grand Princess Captain of Annie A.S. Perry Grand Guild; and Princess Captain of Mary Edna Berry Guild No. 18. She was an active member of the Cecelia Dunlap Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Kentucky, Inc., PHA, where she served as President of the Deputies Council and District Deputy Grand Matron for the Western District. She also served as Past Worthy Matron of Evening Star Chapter No. 126 and was a member of Diamond Chamber No. 126.

Her service extended to the Auxiliary of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and Its Jurisdictions, Inc., where she served with distinction as Past Illustrious Commandress of Rajah Court No. 58, Imperial Deputy for the Oasis of Hopkinsville, and Imperial Deputy for the Oasis of Bowling Green in the Desert of Kentucky. In every role, she led with strength, grace, and unwavering dedication.

Beyond her fraternal service, Winora remained actively engaged in her community. She was a proud member of AARP Chapter 1967, where she served on the Nominating, Volunteer, and Greeting Committees, always welcoming others with her warm spirit and infectious smile. She was also a cherished member of The Red Hat Society of Bowling Green, enjoying fellowship, laughter, and sisterhood.

Winora was preceded in death by her beloved siblings: Mary Johnson, Elizabeth Pernell, Patsy Irving, Ulala Cross, Meatie McKinney, Rose Colton, William Butts, Betty Rounds, and Michael Butts.

Winora leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughter, Tawanna Duffey; her treasured granddaughter, Jalen Tardy; her significant other of 36 years, Nathaniel Spencer; her loving sisters, Mildred Butts and Jackie Anderson; her longtime friend and confidant, Dora Conyers, affectionately known together as "Thelma and Louise"; her bonus daughter, LaTiffiny Lashae Strickland; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and acquaintances who were blessed by her presence.

Winora Duffey lived boldly, loved deeply, and served faithfully. Her legacy is one of confidence, leadership, laughter, and genuine connection. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit, example, and love will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

Sincerely,

-Your friends at Burnam and Son Mortuary