Ethel Marie Winchester was born February 6,1950, to the late Donald Lou Perkins, Sr. and Mattie Lee Jones in Kansas City, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, dear granddaughter Eliyyah M. Fleming and her brother Alfred L. Coleman.

Ethel attended the Kansas City, Missouri School District and graduated from Paseo High School in 1968. She attended a community college. Her very first job at Halls on the Plaza was as a gift wrapper. She modeled for Halls, Swansons, The Jones Store and Macy's, just to name a few.

Ethel was affectionately called "Ms. Marie" while working for the Kansas City Missouri School District for many years as a paraprofessional. She was loved by the staff and the children. She later retired from the Kansas City, Missouri School District and worked as a Linc specialist before and after school, where she was loved by many.

Ms. Marie had a love for children, especially her own, including her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marie loved God and her church. She was baptized at an early age, and she dedicated her life to serving the Lord. She was a lady of many gifts which she dedicated to the church, such as decorating, planning, setting tables, working with children, volunteering where ever and whenever she was needed.

Marie had a love for fashion, sewing, and decorating for the church, her home, weddings, her friends. She loved gardening, going to the zoo, being outdoors. She loved traveling, and visiting many places such as The Grand Canyon, Florida, Colorado, California to name a few. She loved the Great outdoors, Oceans, Mountains and Animals.

Most of all, Marie loved the Lord. This was seen everywhere she went and every person she met. Her smile allowed God's light to shine through. Ms. Marie was greatly loved and will be sadly missed. She was an exceptional woman.

Marie leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of 31 years, Solomon Wayne Winchester; one son, John R. Townsell, Jr.; two daughters, Trina M. Townsell and Nina R. Gordon (Dale), all of Kansas City, Missouri; three brothers, Donald L. Perkins of Florida, Michael L. Perkins (Debra) of Georgia, and Rupert K. Perkins of Kansas City, Missouri; three sisters, Jacqueline C. Baker of Raytown, Missouri, Rupert K. Perkins, Valerie L. Rivers (Anthony), Vickie E. Bell (Thomas) both of Kansas City, Missouri; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends that truly loved her.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .