Winifred Buford

Winifred Bernice Pope (nee Pope), age 92, was born to Louise Pope March 27, 1927 in Abingdon, Virginia.  During her early years the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio.

After graduating Jane Addams Technical School, she was employed at a number of secretarial and administrative positions, retiring from the Electric Illuminating Company.

Winifred was a faithful member of The Church of The Covenant for over 40 years serving in several capacities over the years. She was on the Board of Elders, Deaconess, Covenant Cache, and Stephen Ministries providing empathetic lay pastoral care.

Her mantle of servanthood extended beyond church affiliation, becoming confidant and friend to any soul needing consolation, advice, or support to lean on, whether for a moment or duration.  Seeking more opportunities to minister to others in need, Winifred devoted time to The Society of the Blind, fed and talked with the homeless in soup kitchens, encouraged her children to join her making holiday deliveries for Meals on Wheels and found great purpose as a member of Hospice for the Western Reserve, specializing in sitting vigil for those in their final stage.

She enjoyed cooking and baking, presenting her famed pound cakes, cobblers and brownies to many grateful recipients. Wini found pleasure creating ceramic pieces, gardening, floral arranging and feeding the birds and deer visiting her home.

In her golden years she came to live with her daughter, Lenice, son-in-law Joe, and their dog Penny whom Wini treated as a grandchild. Later, following a debilitating illness she was moved to Montefiore Nursing Home in Beachwood where she was cared for by attentive staff.

She was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin and friend to people who loved her dearly. Known as ‘Pooh’ and ‘Bunny’ although petite, soft-spoken and gentle there was no doubt that she meant business.

Winifred is preceded in death by three husbands: Edward Pembroke, father of Felicia, Edward II (deceased) and Marc; Ligon Buford, father of Lenice Giargiana and Tanya Hart (deceased) and Emmanuel Gleason.

The family extends their gratitude and appreciation for all expressions of love, concern and sympathy during Wini’s transition.  We’ll always cherish your thoughtfulness and most importantly your prayers.

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to Vinney Hospice and Palliative Care of Montefiore, One David N. Myers Parkway, Beachwood, OH 44122 or to the Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 where Memorial Services will be held on Monday, July 1st at 11 AM.