Sheila Winstead

On October 26, 2022, Sheila Burdette Winstead passed peacefully to join her heavenly Father. With sadden hearts but joyful souls we celebrate the life of our beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and friend. She was born here in Toccoa and spent most of her life here in Stephens County. She was preceded in death by her parents Terrell and Dartha “Dot” Burdette.  

She is survived by her brother Robert Bruce Burdette (spouse – Nina), three children, Commander Robert Espenship (spouse- Traci), Dartha Espenship Cox (spouse – Ed), Christy Espenship Turk (spouse – Bill); five grandchildren, Jon, Katelyn, Sam, Logan, Courtney and two great-grandchildren, Cash and Cole.

She was a member of the Jaycettes, Elks, Moose, and VFW. After returning to Stephens County, along with her family, she found a spiritual home at Sunshine United Methodist, a place full of people she loved and felt loved by. An avid University of Georgia football fan, she loved her bulldogs. She also loved her animal companions, Mollie and Bandit who preceded her and Buddy who was her constant companion.

Graveside service will be held at Stephens Memorial Gardens on Saturday, October 29 at 11: 30 a.m. with The Reverend Dr. Bill Hyndman officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, please direct gifts to The Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 49309, Athens, Georgia 30604 or www.cfnega.org, or your local animal shelter.

Interment will follow in the Stephens Memorial Gardens with the Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Sheila Burdette Winstead.