Loretta Jane Christian Winstead, 86, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Church Hill, Loretta lived a life marked by compassion, service, and devotion to her faith, family, and community. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Church Hill, where she faithfully served in many roles from a young age until her health declined in recent years. Loretta proudly retired from the Hawkins County Board of Education after many years serving the students and staff of Church Hill Elementary School.

Throughout her life, Loretta poured her time and energy into numerous boards, groups, and organizations, including her church, the Lions Club, Volunteer Blind Industries, and One Accord Ministry, among others. She possessed the rare gift of storytelling and the unmistakable gift of gab, both of which brought joy to countless people over the years.

Waiting in Heaven to welcome her home are her beloved husband of 55 years, Bill; her parents, F.M. and Gertrude (Fleenor) Christian; sisters Shirley Roberts Stapleton and Marceleen (Wallace) Renfro; brothers Glynn "Boot" Christian and Don Christian; and her father- and mother-in-law, Rex and Stella (Moore) Winstead.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Teresa Arnold & Billie Jane Winstead. Grandchildren: Jessica (Michael) Bishop, Cody (Raven) Wilder, Josh (Taylor) Arnold, Cheyenne (Nolan) Stratton, and Jaimee Arnold. She was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Madison Cunningham, Brailyn and Brynlee Bishop, Bailee and Emma Arnold, Ellie Stratton, and Anderson and Elowyn Wilder. She is also survived by her brother Ken (Melissa) Christian; sisters-in-law Patricia Christian and Shirley Christian; many nieces and nephews; and dear friends Loraine and Troy Alley. The family extends special thanks to Rhonda & Jack Wells, and Diana Price, for the many visits and loving care shown to her.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 - 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Gary Gerhardt officiating. A graveside service will follow the funeral service in procession to Church Hill Memory Gardens. 

Pallbearers will be Cody Wilder, Josh Arnold, Nolan Stratton, Michael Bishop, Jack Wells, Chris Roberts, Darren Christian, Donnie Christian, and Michael Christian. Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Christian and Troy Alley.