Winfred Calvin Felton, Sr.

Winfred C. Felton, Sr.
March 6, 1952 – March 23, 2025

Thank you, Lord, for a life well lived!  We celebrate the homegoing of Winfred C. Felton, Sr., who passed peacefully on March 23, 2025, due to natural causes. Born on March 6, 1952, to the late Grant A. Felton, Sr. and Virginia Louise Felton, Winfred was the youngest boy of eight children—four boys and four girls.

A proud product of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Winfred’s early life was steeped in strong values and an even stronger work ethic. In his younger years, he built swimming pools with expert skill in concrete and masonry, before devoting over 40 years to the HVAC profession. Even in retirement, sitting still never suited him—he became known throughout Hampton Roads as the go-to handyman, showing up with tools in hand, a booming voice, and a smile that lit up any room.

When he married Sharon Ruth Smith, he joined New Hope Church of God in Christ under the leadership of her parents, the late Pastor Frank L. Smith and Evangelist Geraldine Gatlin Smith. For more than 40 years, Winfred served as a faithful Deacon and Usher, a pillar of consistency and strength, always standing tall (and loud!) for his faith and family.

Winfred’s life was rooted in his deep love for Jesus Christ. He had an unquenchable hunger for the Word of God and a boldness in sharing the Gospel with anyone willing to listen—and sometimes even those who weren’t. His faith shaped every aspect of his life, from how he served his family to how he treated strangers. Whether he was reading scripture aloud or offering wisdom through lived experience, Winfred made it his mission to point people to Christ.

But what was equally as important to him was family. Winfred had five birth children—but together with Sharon, he raised and served as “dad” to many, many more. His home was always open, his advice always available, and his presence always felt. In his later years, he wore his title of "Granddad" with pride, serving as the official chauffeur to and from school, attending every game, recital, and competition with his signature enthusiasm. If there was a cheer section, Winfred was front and center—the biggest and loudest supporter in the room.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife and ministry partner, Sharon Felton, a host of children, grandchildren and great who continue to reflect his spirit, his surviving sisters, and an entire village of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends who all knew exactly when Winfred walked into a room. If you didn’t hear him coming, you surely felt the love when he got there.

Winfred was loud, proud, and full of joy—a man with a heart as big as his laugh. His presence will be deeply missed, but his echo—booming and unmistakable—will never fade.