Winona Morris McGraw was born in Dickens Feb. 19, 1925 to Bessie and Charlie Morris. At the age of 16, “Nonie” traveled by train to Washington, D.C. where her older sister was employed at the Pentagon. Winona worked in the Commerce Building in D.C. as a map maker during World War II. After the war, Winona moved to Fort Worth where she attended and graduated from cosmetology school.
In 1947, Winona married Raymond McGraw. For several years she traveled with her husband throughout the mid-eastern U.S. as he worked on the pipeline. The couple soon returned to their native Texas, first to Navarro Mills where they lived and farmed for four years, then to Blooming Grove in 1953. Here Winona enjoyed raising her children, Gary and Jamie, as she first worked with the family bulldozer business, then opened up her beauty shop which served the town for over 15 years.
Winona truly enjoyed gardening and working outdoors. She loved to hum and sing as she worked, favoring traditional hymns and patriotic songs. Exercise was a part of her daily life and included things like yoga, resistance training, walking, biking and most recently water aerobics at the Corsicana YMCA where she met wonderful new friends. An incredible cook, Winona provided many meals, pies and cakes for loved ones as well as church and community needs over the years.
Winona’s passion for reading provided her with immense knowledge of state, national and world history (WWII era being her favorite), political figures and current events. This made her the top pick at trivia games with family and friends, where she would humbly laugh off resulting compliments and recognition. She modeled altruism to her children and granddaughter both through words and by example in her day-to-day life, teaching lessons of love, respect, and genuine concerns for others. Above all, Winona was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Winona is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond McGraw; sons Patrick McGraw and Gary McGraw; brothers Darrell Morris, Don Morris, Jimmy Morris; and sisters Vada Murchison and Faye Salazar.
Winona is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jamie and Paul Borsellino; the delight of her life, granddaughter Natosha Monroe; brothers J.G. Morris and wife Charlene, Bob Morris and wife Marie of Melbourne, Ark.; sister Judy Lawrence and husband Stan of Ellensburg, Wash.; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; her dear friends Ann Curtis and Debra Griffin; and loving caregivers, Donna Daniels and Julie Huber.
The family honored Winona’s wishes to be cremated and there will be no public service. Should you wish to remember Winona with a memorial donation, please consider the Central Baptist Church or New Beginnings Family Fellowship Church in Blooming Grove, Texas.
She will be greatly missed and the world will never be quite the same without her.
An online guestbook is available at www.corleyfuneralhome.com and selecting the Winona Morris McGraw obituary.
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Winona Morris McGraw
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Winona Morris McGraw
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Dorothy Louise Holladay
Mrs. Dorothy Louise Holladay, 85, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday evening, May 21, 2013, at Navarro Regional Hospital in Corsicana with her family by her side.
She was born June 2, 1927, in Blooming Grove.
She worked as a bookkeeper for 35 years at Watson Truck & Supply in Hobbs, N.M. She was a member of Westside Baptist Church. -
Jocelyn Ann ‘Jo’ Biggs
Jocelyn Ann “Jo” Biggs, 85, of Fort Worth, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2013.
She was born Jan. 11, 1928, in Cologne, Minn., to Dominic and Clara Leuthner. - Death Notices 5/24/13
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John Michael Kormos
John Kormos, resident of Corsicana, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, with his family at his side at the age of 51.
- Death Notice 5/23/13
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John Michael Kormos
John Michael Kormos, 51, of Corsicana passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2013.
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Janice Rae Embrey
Mrs. Janice Rae Embrey, 69, of Rice, passed away at Navarro Regional Hospital on Monday, May 20, 2013.
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Patty (Pat) Verne Ford Taylor
Pat Taylor passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, May 18, 2013, at the Odyssey Healthcare Facility in Houston, after a two month illness in which she chose to take risks and fight to regain her quality of life.
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Enelda Elizabeth Niles
Enelda Elizabeth Niles, 85, went to join her late husband from her earthly home to her heavenly home, on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2013. Her celebration services will be at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr. at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013 with burial service following at Waco Memorial Park.
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Enelda Elizabeth Niles
Enelda Elizabeth Niles,85, went to join her late husband from her earthly home to her heavenly home, on May 18, 2013.
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