Winnie (nee Calloway) was born in Wesleyville, NL. When she was ten years old the family took up residence in Gambo and Winnie attended the Salvation Army school in that community, graduating in 1948. Intent on becoming a teacher, she attended the teacher training summer session at Memorial University College following her graduation from high school. Upon completion of her summer studies, she was appointed principal of the Salvation Army school in Chance Cove where she remained for two years. During the ensuing years, Winnie held appointments as 'teacher principal' in Salvation Army schools in Newport, Change Islands and Glovertown. In 1953 she was appointed to the staff of Dawson Elementary in St. John's where she remained for several years, continuing to upgrade her qualifications by taking courses in education at MUN. In 1955 she married Melvin Parsons, a Korean War veteran, with whom she raised a family of three children. Melvin passed away in 2010 following a lengthy illness. In 2012 she became reacquainted with Philip Brace, a former pupil from Chance Cove. They were married in October of that year.

Winnie was a lifelong Salvationist, fully involved in church activities her whole life, especially in St. John's Citadel, where she was Corps Cadet Counselor (18 years), Cradle Roll Sargent, and Sunday School teacher. She was a member of the Songsters there for more than 50 years. For 18 years, following the raising of her family, she worked as a seamstress at Glenbrook Lodge, a Salvation Army senior citizens home. Winnie was predeceased by her parents, Walter & Ethel Calloway, son Gary Parsons; siblings Wilhelmina, Linda (Major), Lena, Otto, Cluney, Ralph, Willie, and Shirley. She leaves to mourn her husband, Philip; daughter Cathy Parsons, son Lorne (Vicki) Parsons, daughter-in-law Bonnie; grandchildren Angela, Peter Jr., Catherine (Greg) Leach, Andrew (Danielle), Sarah, Daniel, Jonathan, Caleb, Rebecca, Hannah, Ken, Lori (Larry) Cantera;  and great-grandchildren Shana, Jack, Matthew, Emma, Hope, Eli, Elvis and Ezra. Also sisters Emily Burry, Lillie (Tom) Lush; brothers Wilson (Doris) Calloway, Peter (Inez) Calloway, and sister-in-law Betty; stepsons Allister Brace, Alton(Dona) Brace, Ronald (Denise) Brace; stepdaughter Diane Brace; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Covid protocol visitations at Pritchett's Funeral Home on Monday , Sept 14, 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM.

Funeral on Tuesday at 2 PM from The Salvation Army, Gambo with Covid protocol. Interment to follow at the Salvation Army Cemetery, Gambo.