Elizabeth Winters Barefield
July 10, 1917 – January 26, 2016
Elizabeth Winters Barefield, age 98 ½ of Hempstead, passed away peacefully at her home in Hempstead, on Tuesday evening, January 26, 2016.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernest Howell Barefield, Sr.; son, George Russell Barefield; granddaughter, Leah Catherine Watson; daughter-in law, Jacqulynn Barefield; son-in-law Bobby Isbell; her parents, Laura Elizabeth Carter Winters and James Carvin Winters; her four sisters, Nellie Mae Wright, Ebon Hopkins, Sybil D. King, Lois Moore; her three brothers George Winters, Albert Winters, Earl Winters.
She is survived by her children Barbara Williams and husband Bobby, Sharron Isbell and John; Ernest "Butch" Howell Barefield, Jr; Steven Eugene Barefield and wife, Denise; Mark Alan Barefield and wife Carol; Laura Catherine Barefield; her grandchildren, Carrie Boroway (Ryan), Todd Barefield (Kathy), Robin Blankenburg (Craig), Scott Williams (Darla), Christopher Barefield (Jessie), Tonya Lawson (Jeremy), Leah Wadsworth, Jenny Schaefer, Mark Barefield Jr (Jamie), Tracie Andreason (Guy), Laurie Barefield, Caitlin Chunn (Devon), Cady Beasley (Forrest). Elizabeth has 23 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren (with twins on the way), sister Pauline McCullough and brother Roger Winters.

Elizabeth was born on the glorious day of July 10, 1917. She was the seventh child to James and Laura Winters of Dodge, Texas and was raised in San Jacinto County. She was a proud Fifth Generation Texan, her ancestors, including John Frelan Winters, fought at the Battle of San Jacinto, securing Texas' Independence from Mexico. Her family moved to Houston when she was eight years old. She was baptized when she was sixteen years old at Magnolia Baptist Church in Houston. During the Great Depression, Mom would tell us stories about people coming to the back door of their home and their family providing food for anyone who need a warm meal or clothing.
Elizabeth graduated from High School in 11th grade. Being a Fifth Generation Texan, she loved studying Texas History in school and after graduation. Elizabeth's first job was working folding laundry at Houston Laundry. She rode a street car to work. Her next job was at National Biscuit Company, now known as Nabisco, where she made cookies.
At the age of 23, she married the love of her life, Ernest Howell Barefield from Houston. They were married on July 20, 1940 at her parent's home in Houston. Ernest and Elizabeth made Houston their home where they created a loving home for their family.
Elizabeth was the mother to 7 beautiful children. Her primary job was taking care of them while Ernest worked outside the home. Their home was known around the neighborhood as a gathering place and always welcomed neighbors, friends and anyone in need of a warm meal and a warm heart.

After becoming a widow on April 8, 1988, at the age of 69, she remained at the family home on Quince Street.
She went on her first cruise at the age of 70, when she and her eldest daughter Barbara sailed the Western Caribbean. There were many memories made on this trip. She was the life of the boat participating in all the activities, including the Conga line in Antigua on the Pirate ship. One of the highlight's of the trip was the smile on her face when she won the dance contest on the very first night, dancing with the Cruise Director. She was invited to the Captain's table for dinner every night of the cruise.
She was very active at her church in Houston, Forest Oaks Baptist. She participated in many functions outside of worship including providing food for different functions, acting in plays, and attending retreats.
In the summer of 2005, at the age of 88, wanting to be closer to her family, she sold the family house on Quince Street and moved to Hempstead. She was so proud of the house she bought on 8th St. She said many times that it was a very comfortable and inviting home. This was very important to her. Funny, as I write this, the reason her home was comfortable and inviting was strictly because of her. She always welcomed everyone into her home and wanted them to feel at home.
Elizabeth joined First Baptist Church in Hempstead in the fall of 2005. She fell in love with her church family immediately. She had her 90th Birthday party there where all of her family and friends were there to celebrate with her!

Elizabeth was a caring and hardworking lady who made friends wherever she went. She never met a stranger and was greatly loved by many who came to call her Mom like her grandchildren did. She spent her life working and caring for those she loved and will be greatly missed by all.
Elizabeth prearranged her final services. She wanted to make sure when the time came for her to be with Her Lord, it was easy for her family. She did not want any of us to worry about anything. Everything you see here today, including the music was selected by Mom. While Elizabeth was choosing the selections for her service, when asked what she would like to wear, her response was, "Well, it depends on what time of year it is!"
Elizabeth was an elegant, southern, classy lady, a legend, a true Texan and most of all a devoted Christian. We are charged with carrying on her legacy in our lives from this day forward. Her legacy will live in each of us all of the days of our lives.
The pall bearers are Todd Barefield, Craig Blankenburg, Scott Williams, Christopher Barefield, Mark Barefield, Jr, Cameron Robinson, Dustin Thorp, and Trayton Groce.
The honorary pall bearers are Ryan Boroway, Jacob Thorp, Matthew McNeill, Guy Andreason, Devon Chunn, and Jeremy Lawson.
Visitation will be Monday, February 1, 2016 from 9am-11am at First Baptist Church, 445 Main St, Hempstead, TX. Funeral Services will be Monday, February 1, 2016 at 11am at First Baptist Church in Hempstead with her beloved Pastor Danny Wendt officiating and Pastor Kevin Jordan assisting. Interment will follow at the Forest Park, Lawndale, in Houston, with Pastor Kevin Barefield officiating. Elizabeth loved flowers. For those wishing to make a memorial, in lieu of flowers, these may be sent to her home church, First Baptist Church in Hempstead, TX.