Winifred G. McDuffie

Winifred G. McDuffie (Wini) gently passed away on October 8, 2021. Born in Atlanta on March 4, 1927 to Marshall Eugene Groover and Mary Winifred Power Groover, Wini grew up in La Grange, Georgia and attended LaGrange College before graduating from the University of Georgia and Emory School of Nursing. She married Bruce McDuffie in September 1950. The couple lived in Atlanta and in Washington, Pennsylvania before settling in Binghamton, New York in 1958. Wini lovingly raised their three children, nurturing and encouraging their creativity. Music was always playing and crayons and paper available for drawing! Wini obtained a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Binghamton and pursued additional graduate work in Intergenerational Studies at Cornell University. She worked at the Interracial Association in Binghamton, taught pre-school, community college, and continually advocated for young children and families. Wini and Bruce moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee in the late 1980s where she worked as Volunteer Coordinator at Senior Neighbors; she later volunteered at Calvin Donaldson Elementary and community after school programs, and delighted in teaching art to children. Wini’s generous heart and caring nature are celebrated by everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Bruce accused her of running “Soft-touch Manor” where homeless cats and dogs always found welcome. Her genuine warmth, concern, and love for all creatures is her enduring legacy, and she lived her life with amazing grace. Wini is survived by her brother Charles Groover (Jacqui) of Gainesville, GA, three children: Susan McDuffie (Salvador Romero), John McDuffie, and Judie Churchill (John), three grandsons: Robert Churchill (Meghan), Sean Churchill (Adrianna), and Zachary Churchill, four great-grandchildren and numerous much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family thanks Wini’s wonderfully compassionate care-givers whose kind help allowed her to remain in her home with her beloved cats as her health declined. In lieu of flowers contributions in Wini’s memory can be made to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen or the Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37414 www.lanefh.com (423) 877-3524