Wanda Fern Winter's Obituary
Wanda Locke Winter passed away peacefully June 20, 2021. She was born March 2, 1926 in Dallas, Texas to Corry and Mary Chrystal (Tooge) Locke. She was raised in East Dallas and proudly graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1944.
Shortly thereafter, she joined her parents at the family business, The Locke Cafe, in Deep Ellum and subsequently the Lake Highlands Sun Rexall Soda Fountain. Both were institutions with the Dallas lunch crowd and the beginning of her illustrious career in the food/hospitality business.
Wanda married John H. Winter in 1957 and later moved to Garland, Texas where they raised their four daughters. Wanda and John started square dancing in 1958 and were instrumental in bringing the National Square Convention to Dallas in 1965. In 1961, they became round dance callers and instructors and created dance clubs all over North Texas. They were selected to perform a solo exhibition dance at Governor Preston Smith's inauguration. With fellow callers, they started their own record label Chaparral Records. In 1989 they were recognized by the North Texas Callers Association as Lifetime Members. In 1988, they received a Gold Record for their choreography and cuing for "I'm a Stand By Your Woman Man"
In 1967, Wanda and John started working at a friend's concessions at the State Fair of Texas to raise a little extra cash for an upcoming trip to Las Vegas. They purchased the business within two years and after 52 years, still going strong as the Dock Restaurant and Winter Family Concessions. The couple were the first to bring the legendary "Fernie's Funnel Cakes" to the State Fair. The name was a nod to Wanda's middle name. Wanda and her crew have been the Big Tex Choice Awards 16 times in 15 years and won 2005, 2015, and 2018 being the most nominated concessionaires. She appeared on local and national television programs and in publications.
Wanda has given countless joy to thousands through her long career in the food business, love for dancing and dedication to helping others. She has tried to give back to Dallas, the city where she was born and loved so much. In 2011, she was recognized by the City of Dallas for her career at the State Fair and other charitable endeavors.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband John in 1989. She is survived by her four daughters and their spouses, Vicki and Ron Ingram; Joanne Czerwinski; Christi and Bert Erpillo; and Johnna and Dan McKee; six grandchildren, Amy Doggett, Cory Ingram, Blake Ingram, Ashly McKee, Johnathan McKee, Trey Erpillo and 14 great grandchildren. For the last several years, Wanda was lovingly cared for by Yvonne Lewis, Erica Adkisson, Tinesha Walker, and Tamillah Powell, which are now part of her extended family. Thanks to their impeccable care, Wanda was able to celebrate her 95th birthday and Mother's Day 2021.
In a recent interview Wanda was asked after looking back on her life, what she considered to be her greatest accomplishment. Without missing a beat, she quickly replied, "My family!"
Visitation be on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Restland Funeral Home between 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Due to Covid restrictions, the private service will be Live Streamed on June 24, 2021 at 9:30am. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 24, 2021, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center, Fair Park, Entrance Gate 3, 1403 Washington Street, Dallas, Texas, 2nd Floor, Dallas, Texas. Please join us if you would like to pay your respects.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the State Fair of Texas Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program.
To join this service click the link:
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/56061/hash:A44FD137D8F0D65E
What’s your fondest memory of Wanda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wanda?
Share a story where Wanda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wanda you’ll never forget.
How did Wanda make you smile?