Cora Winchester

Cora Frances Winchester was born on April 13, 1930 in Kingsland, AR and went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 3, 2026, at 95 years of age as her daughter held her hand and sang How Great Thou Art. She was born to James B. Ross and Olga Bryant Ross and raised in Fordyce, AR. She had one older brother, Jim Ross, who preceded her in death along with her parents. As a child growing up, Frances led a “charmed” life. Her mother emphasized music and faith, and her father adored her and spoiled her with her heart’s desires. She developed wonderful, life-long friends while attending school in Fordyce and continued those relationships throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, she attended nursing school at Arkansas Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1949 with her diploma. She worked in the hospital setting after graduating but later fell in love with community health and worked for the Arkansas Health Department for 35 years. She was a well-respected leader and co-worker and has maintained her relationships over the years.

Frances married the love of her life, John Thomas (Tommy) Winchester on December 14, 1952. They started their married life living in Camp Robinson and later settled in Sherwood, AR. Frances loved her family fiercely and had great aspirations for her children. She was a social person and was happiest when being the center of attention with family and friends. She was frequently the life of the party. Frances was an avid reader and a die-hard Razorback fan regardless of the sport, often leading the calling of the Hogs. She loved music and dancing with Tommy but didn’t require a partner to enjoy dancing. She was quite the competitor and loved playing games, particularly Mexican Train dominoes. Frances’s desire was to always be the winner!

Frances and Tommy were long time members of the Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church and served as youth directors, on various committees in the church, sang in the choir, and were members of the Men’s and Women’s groups. She participated in bible studies and community outreach events at the church. Faith was the cornerstone of her life.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother and her grandson, Jared Bingham. She leaves behind to cherish her memory 4 children, Lisa (Howard) Bingham, Julie (Todd) Kettlewell, Steve (Stephanie) Winchester, and Laura (Bob) Endres. She has 5 grandchildren, Lucas (Lauren) Bingham, Morgan Bingham, Mallory (Tyler) Hopper, Kelsey (Tucker) Shaw and Ethan (Leah) Winchester. She is also survived by 7 great-grandchildren, Ryder and Saylor Hopper, Waylon and Greer Bingham, Emma and Coen Shaw, and Audrey Winchester.

A special thanks to the staff and caregivers at House of Three on Oaks Bluff Drive in LR.

Forever loved and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to St. Jude's Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 9:00 - 10:15 AM at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107, Sherwood, Arkansas 72120). All are welcome to follow and attend the graveside service at the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery (1501 West Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120). Services entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114).