Winston Burnom

Reverend Winston W. Burnom was born September 10, 1945, in Wynne, Arkansas to the late Ray Warren and Mary Elizabeth Burnom-Smith.

Winston received his formal education in the Arkansas and Cleveland Public School systems. He accepted Christ at the early age of 12, and faithfully attended The Church of God in Christ in Wynne. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio in the early 50’s with his Mom and brothers to be closer to family.

Winston was united in holy matrimony on three occasions. His first marriage was brief but loving. To this union a beautiful daughter, Tammy H, Burnom was born.

Winston united in hold matrimony with Wanda Swarn Burnom In Mansfield, Ohio, on July 13, 1991, for 27 years and to this union, two handsome sons were born; Winston Elijah and Moses Arnez.

Winston pursued higher education at Cuyahoga Community College, earning an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services. He continued his studies at Ashland University where he achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, Master’s Degree in Divinity, and Practical Theology.

Answering his divine calling, Winston became a licensed and ordained minister and faithfully served as Pastor alongside his second wife, Sister Wenda Swarn Burnom at Unity of Faith Baptist Church until they returned home to Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. He later became a devoted member of Latter Rain Church of God in Christ, where he worshipped faithfully until his passing. Through his ministry, he guided many with wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to the Word of God.

Winston’s professional career included service at Ford Motor Company where he advanced to the position of Forman, as well as at Kirby and Sam’s Club where he was recognized for his outstanding Salemanship. He loved to write and authored several books leaving behind words that will continue to uplift generations to come. Beyond his pastoral works, Winston cherished his family. He loved to travel and had joy in cooking, especially his well loved hot tamales and sweet potato pies. Among his most memorable travels were his visits to Jerusalem and Hawaii, and most recently a cruise to the Bahamas. A journey that he was blessed with just before his passing.

On July 19, 2025, Winston married Paula Drake Burnom. Their time together as husband and wife was brief, but filled with joy, love and devotion. Reverend Winston W. Burnom will be remembered as a man who truly loved God, loved deeply, laughed often and gave freely of himself. His legacy endures through his family, his congregation his books and the countless lives he touched. Though he departed this earthly life, his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

Winston was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Warren and Mary Elizabeth Burnom-Smith. Two Sisters, Mary Magic and Catherine Winfrey. Five Brothers, Leamon Burnom, Johnnie Lee Burnom, Central Burnom, Melvin Burnom, and Arnez Burnom.

Winston leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Paula Drake Burnom, his devoted sons, Winston Elijah Burnom and Moses Arnez Burnom, both of Mansfield, Ohio. A sister, Doris Williams of Chicago, IL. A brother, Pastor Robert Warren of St. Louis, MO. His beloved grandchildren, Kyngston Burnom and Kya Marie Burnom, the apples of his eye. His nephews, Melvin Burnom, Gregory Winfrey, Glen Winfrey, Walter Magic, and Jeffery Burnom. His nieces, Marcella Corbett, Kathy W. Allen, Teri Williams, Sherri Burnom, Traci Williams and a special niece, Rosalyn W. Martin and a host of relatives and friends.