Winnie Oleeta Fouts Reece, age 93 of Ellijay passed away at her home on August 27, 2024.

Mrs. Reece was born on April 29, 1931 to the late Almarine and Allie Fouts.

Winnie was a 1948 graduate of Ellijay High School. On August 16 of that same year, she married Robert William "Bill" Reece. They had two daughters, Karen and Janet and raised a great granddaughter, Kayla. Winnie and Bill were married 56 years until his passing in March of 2005. She was affectionately known as "Granny" to her family as well as all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Winnie loved the Lord with all her heart. She spent a lifetime serving Him and spreading His love. She believed in serving her family, her church, and her community by being the hands and feet of Jesus through a meal served, an encouraging word offered, and prayers lifted up. Winnie loved spending time with her family, her church family, and her neighbors. She was well known for her love of her plants and baking, and her door was always open to friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Almarine and Allie, her husband, Bill, her brother, Jerry Fouts, and her sister, Joyce Fouts Evans.

Survivors include her daughters, Karen (Van) Powell and Janet (Ricky) LeCroy; grandchildren, Jamie (Christy) Powell, Laura (Justin) Bramlett, Amy Roberson, Sara Howard, Kevin (Ashley) LeCroy, and John (Wes) Massey; great-grandchildren, Brandon (Mercedez) Powell, Jacob Powell, Cole Powell, Grace Bramlett, Emma Kate Bramlett, Reece Bramlett, Ethan Brown, Kayla (Tucker) Green, Brelyn Howard, Gage Guzzi, Kaitlyn Howard, Bristol Howard, and Ridge LeCroy; great-great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Powell, Payton Powell, and Elisabeth Powell; nephew, Tommy (Robin) Evans as well as several other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM at East Ellijay Baptist Church with Rev. Chad Kelly and Rev. Steve Fields officiating. Music will be provided by Joe Hensley and the East Ellijay Baptist Church Worship Team. Interment will follow in the East Ellijay Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers serving are Jamie Powell, Brandon Powell, Jacob Powell, Cole Powell, Justin Bramlett, Reece Bramlett, Kevin LeCroy, John Massey, Tucker Green, Ethan Brown, and Tommy Evans. Honorary Pallbearers are the East Ellijay Baptist Church Deacons.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, August 29 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made to East Ellijay Baptist Church.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements.