Jeanette Ann Winder

Jeanette Winder, lovingly known to most as “Nettie,” passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born on October 9, 1941, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Benjamin and Della Wilkerson. Jeanette graduated from Fisk-Rombauer High School in 1959. In 1963, she married the love of her life, Jimmie Winder, whom she had adored since her teenage years.

The couple spent a brief time in California before settling in Jackson, Missouri, in 1974. That same year, Jeanette began babysitting—a role that became her lifelong calling. Through the years, she helped raise not only two of her grandchildren but also countless other children in the community who still cherish her today. Domino’s Fridays were something to celebrate.

Jeanette had a remarkable gift for turning simple meals into something special—her fish sticks were legendary. She was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan who loved watching and cheering them on. A dedicated bowler, she began the sport shortly after high school and continued until 2021. Her passion and skill, with a high game of 298, were honored when she was inducted into the Southeast Missouri Bowling Hall of Fame in 2023.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Jeanette lived each day with selflessness and a giving spirit. She volunteered with the Marine Corps Women’s Auxiliary and was a lifelong member of First General Baptist Church in Jackson—now known as Connection Point Church—where she and Jimmie served tirelessly.

Jeanette is survived by two sons who were her greatest accomplishments: David and Janice Schlegel Winder and their family—daughter Meagan and husband Travis Palmer and their daughter Olivia Palmer; and son Matthew Winder and Leah Hecht Winder and their children Woods Winder, Crew Winder, and Elsie Mae Winder; and Mark and Kelly Griffith Winder and their children Jacqueline Winder and Blaise Winder & fiancé Makayla Nelms; and her favorite, feisty grand dog, Bolt Winder. Bolt will especially miss all the tennis balls.

She is also survived by her sister, Louetta Keena, and brother, Kenneth Wilkerson. She is reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Jimmie, who surely greeted her with open arms—and a handful of M&M’s—as well as her siblings John David, Virgil, and James Wilkerson, and Mildred Coulson, Nellivee Chronister, and Mary Ellen Davis.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at The Villas, who have shown that angels truly walk among us, and to Journey Hospice for their compassion and support. Special appreciation is also extended to Pastor Chris Vaught of Connection Point Church and dear family friend Susie Harp for their love and care.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. Rev. Chris Vaught will conduct the funeral service at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri at 2pm.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests Connection Point Outreach Ministry.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by scrolling to the guestbook beneath this article.