Frances Herkerline Winfield

On February 14, 1934, Frances Herkerline (Herk) Higginbotham was born in the town of Lavonia, in Franklin County, Georgia, to the late Ella Street and Rev. Vaudia B. Higginbotham Sr. Frances received her early education in Georgia’s Hart County Public Schools, where she played girls’ basketball, competing against rival teams across the state. A true Georgia Peach, she was always a lover of nature and loved family and friends. She cherished the country woods of Georgia and held fond memories of growing up under the care of her Uncle General and Aunt Vinna. While in Georgia, she met and married the late Booker T. Norman, with whom she raised her children, Danny and Diane, and spent many years working domestically and on the family farm. After her union with Booker T. ended, she relocated to Washington, DC, whereas she met and married the late Andrew Winfield and continued raising Danny and Diane. Later was born Gary and Angela. Her love for her children was undeniable. In DC, Frances took on various jobs, including waitressing and working as a pastry chef at General Services Incorporated (GSI), before retiring as a proud Custodian of the Smithsonian Institution’s Castle Building. Along the way, she formed special bonds and lasting friendships with many, especially Mary Smittick and the late Cofene Lewis. Frances was a hard worker who took pride in everything she did. She earned many accolades, and her work ethic and kindness spoke volumes to all who knew her. In addition to her deep love for family and friends, Frances was truly an outdoorsy person at heart who loved adventure. She found joy tending to her gardens, enjoying a quiet picnic by the water, and throwing the reel in at her favorite fishing holes. She had a passion for gardening and fishing. Just as in her work, she excelled in her hobbies—earning the “best gardener” honors at the Ft. DuPont Park Community Gardens, as well as fishing awards for her impressive catches. She could out-fish any man on the boat! Many neighborhood children, family members, and friends can fondly recall how she introduced them to fishing, gardening, or even took them to the beach for the very first time. To top it off, she was also an excellent cook! She took great pleasure in preparing delicious meals and desserts and watching folks indulge in and enjoy her creations. Frances loved people deeply and had a generous heart for those in need. She cared for and cooked for people for nearly 80 years until she was no longer able. It was not uncommon for her to share crops with neighbors, prepare meals for the sick, widowed, her grandchildren 😊, or people who were just down on their luck. She would visit those who were homebound, and she opened her doors to many. She was a missionary in her own right. She would often say, “I have a lot of children,” and each one was special to her. Frances became a believer and accepted Christ early in life. She was a member of the New Light Baptist Church in Lavonia, Georgia, and after relocating to Washington, DC, she became a member of First Rock Baptist Church. Later she joined the New Macedonia Baptist Church. Anyone who knew her understood that she was a humble woman with strong faith who trusted in God through the many challenges faced. One of her favorite scriptures that she stood firm on was the Lord’s Prayer, Psalms 23. Also, another favorite was the Serenity Prayer. Frances will be deeply missed for her humanity, wit, and charm. To cherish her precious memory, she leaves behind her children: Danny Norman; Diane Garman (Michael); the late Gary Norman (Teresa); and Angela Winfield. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Andre Garman (Doreatha), Dorahn Garman (Ashley), Coree Garman, Candace Winfield (Donnell), Jalelah Winfield, Zakia Norman-McBride, Tiana Skinner (Anthony), and Janai Norman; and her great-grandchildren: Donnell Winfield, Canon Simms, Adrianna, Aniya, Kendol, and Sydney Garman; Zora and Luna McBride; and Arabella Skinner; along with a host of other family members, extended family, and true friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vaudia B. Higginbotham Sr. and Ella Street; her sisters, Sarah Fuller Hillie and Emma Lee Tandy; her brother, Vaudia B. Higginbotham Jr.; and a niece with whom she shared an especially close bond, Mary C. Fuller. Despite difficulty with her hearing later in life, if she thought she heard the word “go,” she was ready. And when she heard the Lord say, “Come, go with Me,” she answered that call and departed this earthly life to take her rest. She will live forever in our hearts as

Frances Herkerline Winfield

February 14, 1934 - June 18, 2026