Shirley Winston

Shirley Jean Winston
February 14, 1927 ~ April 4, 2021

Shirley Jean (Vliet) Winston of Grand Blanc passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 94. Shirley was born on February 14, 1927, in Flint, Michigan. She was one of five children.

She graduated from Bendle High School where she was a star donkey basketball player. After graduation she opened a small restaurant, the Bendle Bonnet, at the corner of Bristol Road and Saginaw Street. Sam Winston became a regular (and very special) customer at the restaurant. She and Sam were married on February 24, 1950.

Shirley loved her family. She was fun-loving with a great sense of humor, always making the best of every situation. She and Sam hosted annual summer pool parties for the Weinstein Cousins Club, which included Sam’s seven siblings, their families and many, many cousins. She enjoyed bowling, golf, and later in life, wintering in Boca Raton, Florida.

Shirley was also a smart, strong, astute businesswoman, working side-by-side with Sam to build and operate Burton Auto Parts for over 50 years, eventually becoming the company’s president.

She gave generously of her time to Congregation Beth Israel, Beth Israel Sisterhood, Hadassah, B’nai B’rith Women and the Jewish War Veterans.

She leaves to cherish her memory: sons Michael (Vicki) and Dennis (Connie) and daughter Susan (James) Wascha; ten grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and her brother James Vliet. Her loving husband Sam preceded her in death in 2011 after 61 years if marriage.

The family wishes to thank Shirley’s caregiver Edie Green. Private burial will take place at Machpelah Cemetery, Flint, Michigan. Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

May her memory be for a blessing.