Denise Kay Ferguson McIntire-Winstead

instead Denise Kay Ferguson McIntire-Winstead, of Old Union, passed away at home, with her family by her side, on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at age 62. She had fought cancer bravely for many years, but she was only on hospice for the last few months and critical only the last few days.

Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Josh Gafford of the Freestone Cowboy Church officiating. Burial followed in the LaSalle Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Kaygan McIntire, Luke Fife, Colin Lenamond, Josh Lenamond, Shane Killingsworth, Chase Killingsworth, Cleve Ferguson and Clint Winstead. In loving memory, the family designated their loved ones as the honorary pallbearers, Blake McIntire, Dennis Ferguson, Gary Ferguson, and Remington Masters and all the children of Blake McIntire.

Denise was born April 5, 1961, in Mexia to Charles Cleve Ferguson and Joyce Coe Ferguson, and she was one of three sets of twins plus an additional son born in this family. She grew up in Forest Glade and graduated from high school in Mexia.

Denise worked many years at the “old” Old Union store, and then worked at Mexia State School for about 30 years before she retired.

Denise married Robert “Toad” Winstead on Dec. 5, 1988, and they lived in Old Union/Thornton. She was a feisty lady and known for speaking her mind. She was a loving Nana, spoiling her kids and loving her grandchildren who were her world. There were large family gatherings with her parents and all her siblings and their families, where there were always many pies made special for each kid.

Denise was a member of the Freestone Cowboy Church. She was very strong in her faith and her attitude, and when diagnosed with cancer, she placed her trust in God to be with her. She fought hard for five years but always carried a positive attitude. When her church friends planned to come see her after she was released from the hospital on hospice, she told them she would be seeing them in church on Sunday, and she did. She gave a life lesson to her family and friends as living proof of the power of faith “the size of a mustard seed.”

Denise was preceded in death by grandparents, James Reuben Coe and Margaret Coe and Lola and Everett Ferguson; her father-in-law, Wesley Winstead; the tragic loss of her son, Christopher Blake McIntire in 2015; her mother, Joyce (Coe) Ferguson Killingsworth in 2021; brother, Gary Ferguson; her twin brother, Dennis Ferguson, who died on their birthday; her grandson, Remington Masters; and nephews, Brenton, Trent, Jacoby and Dauris.

She is survived by her husband, Robert “Toad” Winstead of Old Union; her father, Cleve Ferguson of Old Union; daughter and son-in-law, Brittney McIntire Key and husband Earl Key of Old Union; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Candance Winstead of Mexia; daughter, Jennifer Fife of Thornton; and her beloved grandchildren. Brittney and Earl’s children are Kaygan McIntire and Kaylee Key; Candance and Jimmy’s children are Riley and Gracie Winstead; Jennifer’s children are Luke and Wade Fife; Blake’s children are Danika, Malachi, Makelyn, and Chloe McIntire.

She is also survived by twin sisters, Brenda and husband Dr. Sheer Rahaman of Old Union and Linda Smith of Mexia; and twin sisters, Paula Mathison and husband Carl of Teague and Pam Ferguson of Mexia; and also, Toad’s siblings and their families; and many cousins, nieces and nephews and other extended family.

Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome. com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.