Early in the morning of September, 8th, just before the rising sun, God sent an angel to 3700 Preston Road to peacefully escort his child Deaconess Ada Alberta Via Winbush, from labor to reward.  Upon her arrival at Heaven's Gates, she was welcomed and embraced as she heard him say, "Well Done, Thy Good and Faithful Servant."

On November 16, 1924, in Patrick County, Virginia, a precocious little girl was born to the late Dennis Lee and Hattie Smith Via.  The family moved to the Preston Community when Ada was a child, and she resided in the same neighborhood until God called her home.

Ada accepted Christ at a young age and was a charter and life-long member of Mt. Olive #1 Christian Church.  During her life, she was an ambassador for Christ and charged forth the Christian mission by singing in the choir, serving on the Usher Board, chairing the Christian Women's  Fellowship, acting as church secretary, and was later ordained as a Deaconess.  Ada loved to attend church and listen to good gospel music.  Her signature hymn was "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."  She was a frequent and welcomed visitor to numerous churches in the area and was an avid participant in the goals of the Piedmont District, Disciples of Christ.  Ada lived a rewarding life, truly exhibiting the fruit of the spirit.

On August, 1948, Ada was united in marriage to the late Marvin T. Wibush and to this union, six children were born.  The death of their toddler son, Timothy, served to strengthen her faith and inspired her to "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand."  She was preceded in death by her beloved siblings, each of whom she had a close relationship with:  three sisters, Lucille V. Hill, Velma V. Redd, and Ossie V. Albury; and two brothers, Curtis and Henry Via.

Those left to cherish her with gratitude include four daughter, Barbara W. (Silas) Carter, Rev. Deborah W. (Harry) Perkins, Regina W. (Jim) Golden, and Marrita "Rita" Winbush; one son, James Glenn (Carla) Winbush; six grandchildren Corey (Gail), Jessica, Johaun, Morgan, Kayla and Christopher and four great-grandchildren, Camille, Corynn, Campbell and Naomi.  She will be mourned by four sisters-in-law, Juanita Via Rumley, Margaret Lucille Via, Geneva Winbush Hairston, Ethel Woods Winbush, and a step daughter-in-law, Audrey Gilbert.  Those left to remember her joyful presence, or as a surrogate mother, include numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, friends of her children, life long friends, new acquaintances, and a community she loved so dearly loved.

Ada had a non-threatening yet competive streak, and enjoyed playing games such as Bingo, Bid Whist, Dominoes and Po'Keno.  She was a gracious loser but displayed a highly mischievous grin when she won.  She thrived when in the midst of fun.  There was an innocence about her unassuming demeanor and she was far above pettiness and strife.  Her magnetic, feisty, engaging, and accepting personality, immediately drew young and old into her life, her heart, and her home.

Ada said before her passing that God has blessed her with a good and fulfilling life, and she had no regrets regarding her journey here on earth.  She always strived to "do the right thing."  We know that God has made a home for her on high; she'll rest from her troubles on; "nigh; and for those she leaves behind..."  "The Lord Will Provide."

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 12, 2011 at 12:00 Noon at Mt. Olive East Christian Church.  Rev. Carroll Rucker, will deliver the eulogy.  Burial will follow in the Winbush Family Cemetery, in Bassett, Virginia.

A ministry of service provided by Hines Funeral Services, Inc.