Flora Winn (Mewis), age 97, of Bellville, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2021.

Flora was born on February 25, 1924, in Bellville to A.E. and Martha Mewis.

She spent her entire life as a businesswoman. She began her career at an early age working alongside her sister, Nola, in the family-owned Mewis Cafe. The Cafe was the mainstay of Bellville square for over 50 years. Customers came from miles around for the food and fellowship. Flora and Nola later inherited ownership of the restaurant and continued the family business until 1978.

On May 25, 1947, Flora married the love of her life, E.H. Winn, at the Bellville United Methodist Church. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Judith Winn (Hancock). Together, Flora and her husband E.H. built Winn General Contracting into a highly successful company conducting business all across the state of Texas. They also owned a large cattle operation. They spent countless hours checking cows, and Flora deemed herself the official gate opener.

After E.H. passed away in November of 1983 due to emphysema, Flora continued her business endeavors managing their life’s work and devoting her efforts to help cancer research. In the mid-1980s, Flora started a crafting and sewing group in Bellville, which later became known as the Cancer Angels. Each Wednesday for nearly 30 years, the group met at Flora’s house to quilt, craft, and just have fun! This group has been a phenomenal fundraiser for the American Cancer Society over these years. Flora had the pleasure of being with the group at their Wednesday, August 4th, meeting.

Flora was a pillar of the Bellville community and had a passion for giving back. She volunteered her time as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, 4-H adult leader, and spent countless hours at youth rodeos. She served on the Bellville United Methodist Church Council and the Bellville Hospital Board for a number of years. She supported many local organizations in Bellville, including the Austin County Fair, Bellville Volunteer Fire Depart ment, Bellville Chamber of Commerce, Bellville Hospital Foundation, Bellville United Methodist Church, and Focusing Families, among others.

She was proud to be honored with the Bellville Chamber of Commerce Good Neighbor Award, the Bellville Lions Club Citizen of the Year award, the Austin County Bar Association Liberty Bell award, and the Sons of Herman Humanitarian of the Year award. She was also recognized as a distinguished member of the American Cancer Society, the Austin County Cancer Society’s Most Deserving Volunteer, and received many honors each year for her involvement with Relay for Life teams.

In 1994, Flora’s granddaughter, Allyson was born and quickly won her “Mondy’s” heart. Flora spent years being the perfect grandmother. She was so proud to watch her granddaughter cross the stage at graduations and walk down the aisle at her wedding.

Flora is survived by her daughter, Judy, and her husband, Robert Hancock; granddaughter, Allyson and her husband, Cody James; sister, Katie Huebner; sister-in-law, Mary Mewis; dear friend, Gladys Lueckemeyer; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, A.E. and Martha Mewis; her husband, E.H. Winn; and siblings Lenora McGowan, Nonie Engelking, Hazel Prause, Florence Brosig, Jessie Mewis, Leon Mewis, C.A. Mewis, Monroe Mewis, and Roy Mewis.

A special note of thanks to her caregivers Mable Hall, Ora Parker, Shurlean Mays, Valerie King, April King, and Kristin Parker. And to Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care.

Pallbearers were Buck Eckermann, Glenn Huebner, Gene Huebner, Roy Mewis, Todd Keaton, and Ian Bader.

Memorials to Bellville Volunteer Fire Department, Austin County American Cancer Society Unit, Bellville Hospital Foundation, or Bellville United Methodist Church.

Visitation was held on September 1st from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Bellville United Methodist Church. Funeral services and a celebration of life were held on September 2nd at 3:00 p.m. at the Bellville United Methodist Church; the burial followed on September 2nd at 5:30 p.m. at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Knesek Family Funeral Chapel, 842 E. Main St., Bellville, TX 77418 www.knesekfuneralhome.com 979-865-3121.