Eric Neil Winston

A precious one from us has gone, a voice we love is stilled, a place is vacant in our hearts which can never be filled. On July 17, 2020, Eric did not report to work and wasn't answering his phone or text. Since this was very unusual for him, a supervisor from his job went to his home and knocked to no response. He then, sensing something was wrong, had Eric's landlord to open the door for a wellness check and found Eric in his bed barely clinging to life. Eric was a victim of Covid-19 coupled with strep-pneumonia.

Eric Neil Winston was born in Riverside Hospital September 30, 1970 to a single mother Carolyn Yvonne Winston. Eric went to Bidwell Porter Elementary for 2 years in Gallia County before moving to California with his mother. There he attended Coliseum Street Elementary School which he liked very much. His friend and classmate was Malcom Jamal Warner or "Theo on the Cosby Show". Eric and his family returned to Columbus and Eric graduated from Mifflin High School.

Eric loved his family and big family gatherings. He was the life of every party with a big smile on his face with a joke and kind word for everyone. He was so happy 8 years later to have a baby brother Vernell Alonzo Woodard II whom he took care of, shared his toys with and taught him how to swim. Eric was very protective of Vernell and his mother.
Eric had many hobbies, he organized bus trips, he was a fine fisherman and spent many hours with his uncles fishing. If his mother lost him in the store, she would always find him at the fishing tackle and lures. He also loved football which he played in High School. His favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys. He was always in search for knowledge and spent many hours reading and writing and drawing and collecting Star Wars memorabilia.

Eric worked 11 years with AEP never missing a day and for Ohio Housing Financial Agency for 7 years never missing a day. He was a loyal employee, he loved his job and the people he worked with.

He was a very private and calm person. He liked soft music, slow jazz and his girlfriend Nicole. He livened the atmosphere whenever he entered the room.

Eric was called home on July 21, 2020 when the angel dipped her wings. Eric answered the call of his Heavenly Father. He leaves to cherish his memory mother Carolyn, brother Vernell, nephew Donovan Eric, aunt Freda Lawson, uncle Larry and Sue Ann Winston, uncle Paul Winston, uncle Stacey and Gigi Winston and a very special cousin Victoria Logan Amari. She was like a sister to him and also her two sons Curtis and Yusef whom he loved and nurtured like sons. His life-long friend Virgil, many friends, cousins and co-workers. I'm sure when Eric gets to Heaven his beloved grandmother Carrie Winston who cared for him as an infant will be waiting with open arms to welcome him.

To My Dearest Family
Some things I'd like to say, but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from Heaven, where I dwell with God above, where there are no more tears or sadness, there's just eternal love. Please don't be unhappy, just because I'm out of sight; remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me, and He said "I welcome you. It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here, but later on. I need you here so badly as part of my big plan, there's so much that we have to do to help your mortal man". Then God gave me a list of things He wished for me to do, and foremost on that list of mine, is to watch and care for you. I will be beside you daily, each week and every year, and when you're sad; I'm standing there to wipe away the tear. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years, because you're only human; they are bound to bring you tears. But, do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain. Remember, there would be no flowers unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you of all that God has planned, but if I were to tell you, you just wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is through, I am closer to you now than I ever was with you. When you are walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind, I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when you feel a gentle breeze, the wind upon your face; that's me! Giving you a great big hug or soft embrace.
And to my very many friends, trust; God knows what's best, I'm still not far away from you, I'm just beyond the crest. And when it's time for each of you to leave your body to be free, remember you're not really going - you're coming here, to me. And I will always love you from Heaven up above, and will be in touch real soon. P.S. Our God sends His Love.