ELDER ELOISE DURANT WINKLER was born on January 1, 1952, in Sumter, South Carolina, to the late James and Hattie Durant. Raised in a close-knit family rooted in faith, love and strong Christian values, she developed the character and devotion that would define her life. July 2, 2026, after a life faithfully dedicated to God, family and service, the Lord gently called his beloved  servant home to eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, James and Hattie Durant.

 Elder Winkler received her education through the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. While education was important to her, it was her relationship with God that became the true foundation of her life.

At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Dalton Baptist Church, where she was nurtured under the leadership of the late Reverend Simon Maynor and the late First Lady Eloise Maynor, Named after her beloved aunt, First Lady Eloise Maynor, Elder Winkler was deeply influenced by her example of faith, humility, and perseverance. Those early years grounded her in God's Word and established a steadfast faith that sustained her throughout every season of life.      

On July 15, 1985, Elder Winkler was united in holy matrimony to her companion, Roy. They shared many years together, and their union became an enduring part of her life's story.

As her faith matured, Elder Winkler became a devoted member of The Holy Temple Church of God International, Inc., under the leadership of Archbishop Wilbert L. Baltimore. Her faithful service led to her being licensed as a Minister on February 10, 1991 and ordained as an Elder on February 13, 1994. For decades, she faithfully preached the Gospel, encouraged others through prayer and wise counsel and exemplified the love and compassion of Christ. Committed to lifelong spiritual growth, she also pursued theological studies at North Carolina College of Theology to deepen her understanding of God's word.

Professionally, Elder Winkler began her career at  Ervins Department Store before joining the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, where she faithfully served for more than forty years. Her integrity, professionalism and leadership earned her the respect of colleagues, a promotion to Supervisor, and numerous commendations, including gubernatorial citations recognizing her outstanding public service.

Beyond her accomplishments, Elder Winkler will be remembered for the joy she found in life's simple blessings. She loved discovering great restaurants, sharing meals filled with laughter and fellowship, singing and listening to gospel music, attending worship services, traveling and appreciating the beauty of God's creation. Her warm spirit, grateful heart and genuine love for people made every gathering a little brighter. To many of her nieces and nephews, she was more than an aunt-she was a second mother. She freely shared her wisdom, prayers, encouragement and unconditional love. Her quiet strength, compassionate heart and unwavering faith offered comfort and guidance to everyone blessed to know her, always pointing others toward Christ.

Elder Winkler leaves to cherish her precious memory; her husband, Roy; her beloved son, London; her two stepsons, Roy Jr. and Don; her three stepdaughters, Gail, LaTonya and Jordan; and her nine step-grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by her two sisters, Shirley and Barbara; her five brothers, James Jr., Smith, Tyrone, Leroy and Daniel; her beloved aunt, Eva; her sisters-in-law, Natossia, Betty, Mary, Gloria Francis, Vernell, Shirley, and Joyce; her brothers-in-law, Worthington and Preston; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, cherished church family, devoted friends, and all whose lives were touched by her steadfast faith, generous heart and Christ-centered example.