Venna Marie

Winters

It is with deep love and heartfelt sorrow that we share the passing of Venna Marie Winters, who left this life on September 8, 2025, at the age of 64. Venna was more than the roles she carried as a daughter, sister, mother, auntie, and friend, she was a presence. Her laugh was unmistakable, and her determined spirit unforgettable. To meet her was to remember her.

Venna's story began on October 10, 1960, in Toledo, Ohio. She grew up in the Dorr/Secor Road neighborhood. She attended Rogers High School, where her passion for dancing and singing shone brightly, and later pursued studies at Ohio State University. Though she left college early, she never stopped chasing opportunities, stepping into careers in local television, banking, airlines and at several law firms. Always with an eye for something new and bold. Venna's life was defined by resilience, and Venna's faith was central to her life. Though in her latter years, her health often kept her from attending services in person, she faithfully tuned in to church on television or her tablet, singing along, praying, and drawing encouragement from the messages. Her decision to follow Jesus Christ brought her peace, strength, and hope.

Venna was a survivor in every sense of the word, she took pride in her independence and navigated health challenges throughout her later years with strength and courage. She knew exactly what she wanted, and what she didn't, and she walked through life with an unshakable confidence. If the world handed her obstacles, she met them head-on. She never lived a humdrum life; she lived fully, unapologetically, and always to the beat of her own drum. Her joys were many and reflected her vibrant spirit. She loved to go shopping, catch a good movie, care for her beloved neighborhood cats, and the small luxuries that made her smile. She had a deep love of music from around the world and a curiosity that showed in her reading and conversations. And though she was sometimes misunderstood, it was often because she spoke her mind, stood firm in her ways, and lived life unapologetically on her own terms. Venna believed honesty was a gift, and she gave it freely.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, India Winters; her close friend, Edgar Freeman; her father, Gerald Hutchens; her brother, Gerald Alan Hutchens; and her sisters, Kellie Hutchens and Kim Hutchens, along with a host of extended family and friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Mary Hutchens.

A memorial service celebrating Venna's life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at House of Day Funeral Home Chapel, 2550 Nebraska Ave, Toledo, Ohio 43607. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the legacy of a woman who lived boldly and loved deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Venna's memory to http://aspcapro.org or to a charity of your choice.

Venna's life was a story of strength, and courage. Though she will be dearly missed, the memories of her laughter, strength, and spirit will remain in the hearts of those who loved her.