Nancy Kay Winstead

Nancy Kay Winstead, lovingly known for her warmth, humor, and generous spirit, passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 86.

Nancy was born on June 14, 1939, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Gladys and Arthur Holstrom. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Roger Holstrom, and her beloved husband, Phillip Burton Winstead who passed on July 13, 2021.

She is survived by her daughter, Ashley DuLaney; her son-in-law, Ward DuLaney; and her grandson, Hayden DuLaney.

She is also survived by her brother Ronald Holstrom, sister-in- law, Sherry Winstead Rose, nephews Scott and Corey Holstrom, and nieces Nicole and Ana Holstrom. She is also survived by those she loved as her own, Daniel McGill and her goddaughter, Elena Spino Turner.

In 1959 at 20 years old, Nancy set out on her own from Battle Creek to begin her adult life in Chicago, Illinois. There, she pursued a career as a flight attendant with North Central Airlines during the 1960s—a role that perfectly suited her adventurous spirit and love of people. It was in Chicago, at “The Rocks” along Lake Michigan she met Phil. Through him, she gained her life partner and the extended family that she would come to cherish.

Nancy and Phil married on February 3, 1973, and she moved to Texas, where she would build a life centered on family, friendship, and community. In Texas, the people she met became her extended “Texas family,” sharing holidays, celebrations, and countless joyful gatherings throughout the years. In 1975, Phil and Nancy’s lives were forever changed with the arrival of Ashley, who became the light of their life and greatest joy until the birth of their grandson in 2002, bringing a new and equally cherished joy. To Hayden, she became his “Diddy”, a nickname that she loved.

Though she had one child, Nancy was a mother figure to many including her fur babies (Delilah, Samson, Cleo, and Marko). She opened her heart and home to others, offering guidance, care, and unconditional love to those who needed it.

Nancy devoted herself to her family as a stay-at-home mother, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable moments. She had a passion for writing, a talent for bargain shopping, and a special gift for hosting—bringing people together in ways that made everyone feel welcome and valued.

Her compassion extended into her community through her volunteer work with Family Outreach, the Rape Crisis Center of Plano, and the Collin County Jail, where she quietly made a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

In true Nancy fashion, she requested no funeral and no tears. Instead, she asked that we remember the laughter, the happiness, and the joy she brought into our lives. A lover of celebration, Nancy’s life will be honored with a gathering later this summer—just the way she would have wanted.

Nancy’s legacy is one of love, resilience, kindness, and joy. Though she is deeply missed, her spirit lives on in every shared story, every burst of laughter, and every life she touched.

She will be forever loved and never forgotten.