Florence Barclay "Flo" Winston

1935 - 2026

Florence "Flo" Barclay Winston

May 18, 1935 - March 30, 2026

Raleigh, North Carolina - Florence "Flo" Barclay Winston passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family, after a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering service to others. She was 90 years old.

Born on May 18, 1935, in Cranbury, New Jersey, Flo was the daughter of Marion Tippett Barclay and Albert Chamberlain Barclay. She graduated from Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, and earned her degree at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Though she once dreamed of becoming an Olympic skater like Sonja Henie, a swimmer like Florence Chadwick, or even an opera singer like Lily Pons, she often joked that a shortage of talent rerouted her to something even better, meeting the love of her life, Charles McKimmon Winston.

After just five dates, Flo and Charles were engaged, and they married on July 20, 1957. They made their home in Charles's hometown of Raleigh, where they raised their three children and built a life rooted in partnership, entrepreneurship, and community service. Charles preceded her in death in 2021, after 63 years of devoted marriage.

Together, Flo and Charles co-founded several landmark businesses in North Carolina with Thad and Alice Eure, including the Angus Barn in 1960, the Darryl's restaurant chain, and a series of Pizza Inn franchises. Later, they expanded into hotel development, and Flo launched her own design firm, Barclay Designs, playing an instrumental role in the construction, renovation and decoration of more than 50 hotels across the country. A true creative force, she brought warmth and hospitality to everything she touched.

Flo was equally known for her deep commitment to civic life and community service. She served as President of the Junior League of Raleigh, where she helped orchestrate the 1973 inauguration festivities for Governor James Holshouser. A longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church, she served on the vestry and was honored with the Christ Church Cross for her dedication and leadership. She also served on the Rex Hospital Board and the Rex Hospital Guild, where she volunteered for more than thirty years. Her service extended to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Saint Augustine's College, UNC-Chapel Hill's Board of Visitors, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 2011, she and Charles were jointly inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame for their extraordinary impact on the city they loved.

But above all her public accomplishments, Flo will be remembered for how she made people feel. She was generous, quick-witted, and deeply kind, a woman who lived life with a radiant spirit and a ready laugh. While her public service was well known, it was her quiet, private acts of grace that truly set her apart. Flo moved through the world with a gentle, unseen generosity, visiting those in the hospital, ensuring families had a bright Christmas, and providing a steady hand to those navigating life's hardest challenges. She loved to entertain, adored a good party, and made everyone feel welcome in her home. If you were dear to her, you were likely known as either "Lamb-chop" or "Ya Big Boob". Terms of endearment only Flo could make charming. She loved her family fiercely and supported them without fail, always present, steady, and on their side.

She is survived by her three children: Marion T. Winston, Charles M. Winston Jr. (Jenny), and Robert W. Winston III (Tracy); seven grandchildren: Watts (Meghan), Tracy, Miller, Spencer, RuthAnne (Chase, fiancé), Charlie, and Georgia; and one great-grandchild, Flora. Her legacy of love, grace, humor, and strength will live on in each of them.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the many caregivers who provided compassionate care to Flo over the years. We offer our deepest thanks to Marian Denning, who served as her devoted caregiver and companion for more than eleven and a half years. Her commitment, kindness, and faithful presence were a true blessing to our mother and our family.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a reception at the Carolina Country Club on Tuesday, April 14th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A service celebrating her life will be held the following day, on Wednesday, April 15th, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh, followed by a private family burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Christ Episcopal Church, 120 East Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601 or The Foundation of Hope, 3108 Glen Royal Rd, Raleigh, NC 27617, or Transitions Lifecare, 250 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Flo lived fully, loved deeply, and gave generously. By all measures she exemplified a life well lived, and her light will continue to shine in all who knew her.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh is serving the Winston family.