Grace Bryant “Mama Grace” Winn, beloved former day care center owner, passed away last Wednesday, Sept. 9. She was 93.
Winn had a deep love for children and owned and operated Mama Grace’s Playhouse for more than 20 years.
Caring for children was Winn’s calling in life and she is remembered for her love and patience and for treating each child like they were her own.
Winn was a devoted Christian and had been a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Blackshear for over 50 years. She was active in all ministries of the church, but her love for children, also led her to teach the primary grades Sunday school classes and to lead children’s church.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, from the Patterson Baptist Church.
For a full obituary, please see page 3.
Winn
Grace Bryant Winn
Winn
Grace Bryant Winn, affectionately known as Mama Grace, 93, of Blackshear, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, September 9, 2026, at Harborview Pierce County, following an extended illness.
Born July 25, 1933, to the late Willie Diaz and Mary Eunice Brown Bryant, she was a lifelong resident of Pierce County. Her deep love for children became her life’s calling, leading her to own and operate Mama Grace’s Playhouse for more than 20 years. There, she welcomed countless Pierce County babies and children into her care, nurturing them with the same love, patience, and tenderness she gave so freely to her own family.
A faithful and devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church for nearly 50 years, she served the Lord in countless ways, always willing to give of her time and talents wherever she was needed. She taught the Women’s Adult Sunday School class, as well as the Primary Grades Sunday School class and Children’s Church, continuing to pour into the lives of children well into her late 80s. She was also a member of the choir and the Bethel Ladies Singing Group, served as head of the women’s visitation ministry and was instrumental in establishing the women’s Bible study and prayer group. For the past several years, she held the distinction of being the longest-living member of the church, a testament to her enduring faith, love, and commitment to the Bethel Baptist Church family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband, James Leo Winn; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Lawanna Bryant and Parnell Davis and Maxine Bryant and Julian Raulerson and a brother, Buddy Bryant.
Survivors include her son, Eddie Winn (Becky Sanders), Ludowici; three grandchildren, Jamie Rigdon (husband Tracy), Patterson, Bennett Winn (wife Emily), Owatonna, MN and Bryant Winn (wife Mindy), Patterson; nine greatgrandchildren, Gavin Rigdon (wife Haley), Bristol, Mason Rigdon (wife Ashlyn), Alma, Avery Winn, Owatonna, MN and Marlee Rigdon, Madi Rigdon, Zachary Winn, Zoe Winn, Evy Thrift and Coley Thrift, all of Patterson; two great-greatgrandchildren, Micah Rigdon and John Brody Rigdon; a brother, Bobby Bryant (wife Linda), Waycross; a sister-in-law, Carol Bryant, Bristol and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, from the Patterson Baptist Church with the Rev. Tracy Rigdon and the Rev. Jason Long officiating.
Interment followed in the Bristol Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, Georgia 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.
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