"Floyd and Stella, I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. She was a wonderful woman who always had a smile to share. She was like family to me and she will be missed. God's blessings to you both."
In loving memory of
Winifred Green
Winifred Green, beloved mother and longtime community steward, passed away on November 29, 2022, at the age of 93. She is survived by her children, Floyd and Stella and a legacy of dedication to her community.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised across the Ohio River in an area now known as Tomlinson Run, Winn had an idyllic childhood including annual visits from Santa who arrived in a horse drawn sled. She married her sweetheart, Merl Jones, and they traveled across the country with a teardrop trailer and a motorcycle, fell in love with the southwest and built their dream house in Globe, Arizona. Their life together ended when Merl died unexpectedly at 29, less than a year after Winn's mother passed. This was the darkest time in Winn's life and she survived it with the help of her church and friends. Winn asked the minister's wife how all this kindness could ever be repaid and was told: It can't, but you can help someone else. Winn repeated that story often as she strived to help others.
Moving to Phoenix in 1960, Winn married Frank Green. The couple had two children, Floyd and Stella. Sharing a love for antiques, they established the Antique Outpost on Cave Creek Road in 1967 and operated it for 52 years. After Frank's passing in 2017 Winn kept the shop open until suffering a stroke in 2019. She loved working with people and she appreciated the antiques not just for their value, but also for the history and lives they represented.
Winn devoted her spare time, energy and abilities to her community. A founding member of the Sunnyslope Village Alliance, she served as a two-term president of the SVA and was involved in block watch training. At one of these meetings she met four young mothers who told her NW Sunnyslope had no safe place for their children to play. She promised them a youth center, which became a reality when a parcel of land became available and Winn successfully applied for a grant to buy it. The neighborhood gained a popular PALS center with computers and a half basketball court. Later the city purchased an adjacent parcel and created a park with a playground and green space. Winn served as chairperson of the Park Advisory Committee. In 2007, the city of Phoenix surprised and honored her by naming it the Winifred Green Park. At the dedication she was quick to give credit to the parks department employees and councilperson Bilstein.
Winn was also behind many other Sunnyslope improvements like street lights and sidewalks (one has a bronze plaque honoring her). A frequent speaker at city council meetings, she also served on a Phoenix Police Department Disciplinary Review and Use of Force Board. In 2009, at 80, she traveled to Tampa with a 15 member delegation to compete in the All American City contest where Phoenix won for the fifth time.
Some of her other volunteer work included being a greeter at First Christian Church, community improvement projects through First Christian Church, Citizens bond committee, Citizens Advisory Committee, Sunnyslope Family Services Center Advisory Board, Community Council and the Fight Back program.
Winifred Green was committed to helping young people and always encouraging others to get involved in their community. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the Sunnyslope Historical Society in Winn's honor.
Tributes
"I've been lucky to count Win's daughter, Stella, as a dear friend since high school and even to this day. Our friendship has continued through college in Los Angeles and our first shared apartment after graduation with Stella going through her first year of law school. Win's long distance support for Stella and me and for our entry into the real world was met with good humor and sound advice. Even though high school graduation is very much in the rear view mirror, Stella and I have stayed in touch and I'd often reach out to Win. When my children were born, she sent a Savings Bond for each which are tucked away for them to perhaps buy something for their first apartment with a high school or college chum. When I struggled through a health crisis, Win sent prayers my way which comforted me and gave me courage. Win left Sunnyslope, Phoenix and the world a better place and will not be forgotten."
"I was lucky enough to have Win (and Frank) as a neighbor for 18 years. She was the first neighbor I met when she brough over homemade prickly pear cactus jelly as a house warming present and introduced herself. I enjoyed spending time with her over the years, at her home, her store, and at community gatherings. She was a great friend and neighbor, I will miss her dearly."
"It was a pleasure to work in conjunction with Win as she promoted civility and and good for her community in the Sunnyslope area. She did it from her heart, not for any formal recognition. A fine human being. It was an honor to know her."
"Floyd, your mom did alot of great things for people and made positive changes that made people's lives better. My sincerest condolences for your loss."
"She was a champion for kids and the Sunnyslope neighborhood, and a great advocate for good! It wasa joy to know her."