Winnie Lee (Minchew) Thigpen

Winnie Lee (Minchew) Thigpen passed away peacefully on June 29, 2011. Winnie was born October 26, 1920 in Nashville, GA to Wilbur and Mary Minchew. She was the beloved wife of the late Lovett Thigpen. Winnie and Lovett owned the Corral Restaurant and Caterers, a popular eating spot known for its smorgasbord. For years they along with their dedicated employees and family catered many of the premier events in Jacksonville. Winnie was a member of North Jacksonville Baptist Church and for many years a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital. Winnie is survived by her son Gary (Glenn); grandsons, David (Nicole), Marc (Bonnie) and Brandon; great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Melanie, Kadence, Breanna, Taylor and McKenzie; sisters, Betty (Russ) Sirmans, Nina Killen; brothers, Jeff (Peggy) Minchew, Bill (Laura) Minchew and Bobby (Linda) Minchew and many nieces, nephews and their children. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sisters Lola Hedges and Barbara Pittman and her brothers Leon and Rudolph Minchew. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Life Care Center of Orange Park who took such wonderful care of her and to Northeast Florida Community Hospice for their support. Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery (Gate #1) at 11:00 am Friday, July 8, 2011. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Northeast Florida Community Hospice, Shriners Hospitals for Children Patient Transportation Fund c/o Morocco Shrine or the charity of your choice. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.