July 16, 1926 – May 9, 2023
Gladys Marie Winfrey Eignus, “Hap”, 96, passed away peacefully at her home on May 9, 2023. Nicknamed on account of her happy disposition, “Hap” was born to Alvin “Pat” Winfrey and Joanna “Josie” Brown Winfrey on the 16th of July, 1926 in Lowell, Kansas. The family moved to Friendswood, Texas in 1942 where she met the love of her life, Linn Eignus, at the Friendswood Fig Plant. Although her family moved back to Kansas the following year, she married Linn on May 26, 1944 the day after graduating from Riverton High School.
The young couple settled back in Friendswood where Hap joined Linn who worked in rice farming with his father. Amongst the arrival of their two children, Teddy in 1947 and Cyndy in 1952, the couple transitioned from the rice fields to dairy farming on their property. When Linn went to work at the Cloverfield Airport, Hap was close by working in the Airport Café, cooking and waiting tables. She rounded out her work experience over the years as a cashier at Bakers Food Market, as registrar at Friendswood Junior High, as secretary to Floyd Brown, Jr., and the church secretary at the Friends Church.
Her life revolved around her family. She loved to cook and would feed you whether you were hungry or not. Her hobbies and activities included making hats, bowling, singing in the church choir and playing piano. She served on the church music committee and joined with her friends to cook and serve dinner on Wednesday nights at the church.
Her natural happiness always grew when she was around people. Hap was a loving caregiver to many in her life including her parents, siblings, and inlaws. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She could often be found with pictures ready to share and even a tape recorder for those who could spare a moment for a musical performance.
Hap is survived by her husband of 79 years, Linn Eignus; daughter Cynthia “Cyndy” McCallon and husband Ron; grandsons Kelly Burnett and wife Julie, Chad McCallon, and Chris McCallon; and great-granddaughters Haley and Emery Burnett. She was preceded in death by her parents Pat and Josie Winfrey; son Ted “Teddy” Winfrey Eignus; and siblings John M. Winfrey, Calvin P. “Cal” Winfrey, Pauline “Polly” Murray, Rosa Mae Taber, and Doris Alene Brown.
The family is deeply grateful to those who cared for Hap during her illness these past two years, while she was confined to a wheelchair. A heartfelt thank you to Karen St. John and Hazel Jefferson, who lovingly cared for her at home.
Services will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Friendswood Methodist Church, 110 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas 77546 with Reverend Jim Bass officiating. Family and friends are welcome to stay for visitation after the service until 1:00 PM. Internment will follow at the Friends Cemetery in Friendswood, Texas for the immediate family.
Pallbearers will include Kelly Burnett, Chad McCallon, Ross Brown, Bobby Kirkpatrick, Richard See, and Bruce Cline.
In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations in her memory be made to Friendswood Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
11 thoughts on “Gladys Marie "Hap" Winfrey Eignus”
I was taken back when I spoke with Lynn yesterday and received the news that this beautiful Lady had passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Eignus family and we will miss her dearly!
Ruben & Traci Garcia
Hap was an amazing Christian woman and someone who I consider one of my mom’s when growing up in Friendswood. She was always positive and supportive of all our school activities. I know Lynn and Cindi will miss her greatly. She truly exemplified all that is good in Friendswood.
Our heartfelt condolences to Linn and family in the loss of such a dear, sweet, lovely lady with a smile that would touch your heart and brighten your day. We are so blessed to have known her. She will be so missed by many.
John & Mina Newman
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon her.
May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Please receive my prayers that for our Farther may grant you the strength and consolation needed at this time.
As a child, I was always struck by her lovely disposition. Even when I was a kid growing up at Friendswood Friends Church, she took an interest in my thoughts and interests. I remember her as a kind woman and want to extend my condolences to her husband and family. As Quakers often say, we are holding you in the Light. – Wade Tomlinson
A precious Christian lady who left a precious legacy… "and may all who come behind us, find us faithful." She certainly was. I am so appreciative of the kindness your family showed to Frank and me throughout the years. I have many happy memories of those times. I'll be praying for you, Linn, Cyndi, and all the family. "We can only imagine…."
Judy Scott
I was so sorry to learn about Hap's passing.
I know she will be missed by all who knew and loved her, as she was really someone special. Her belief in God was not for show…it was genuine.
Her life was a blessing to all who knew her.
What a wonderful and loving Aunt Hap heaven gained. We will miss her sweet spirit here, but her joy and strength was in the Lord, and I know she rejoices in heaven. Our prayers and love are with Uncle Linn and Cyndy and all her beautiful children and grandchildren. We love you!
Dear Mr. Eignus,
We were all so sorry to hear about your beloved Hap, Mrs. Eignus. Yours is a true love story and we cannot imagine the pain your heart and whole being must be feeling right now. However, what beautiful, long years you had together. Very few love stories last such a full, long lifetime.
You and your sweet wife were one of the first Americans we met many years ago when our family moved to America. Your friendship was a treasure to us. Your kindness, friendship and respect toward our family is something we will forever cherish and remember. Mrs. Eiguns always had a smile on her face. She exuded such a sweet and infectious presence.
In this difficult time, we would like to not only offer our deepest condolences, but also let you know, that if you need anything, we are here for you, only a phone call away. Your family, along with Mr. Lowe’s, were the face of Friendswood and the face of America for us. Your kind heart made a new nation that was intimidating to our young family, friendly and welcoming. We are so sorry for your loss and hope the pain is overtaken by the many beautiful memories that you and your wife have shared over your decades together. She will be remembered fondly by so many.
With deepest condolences to you and your family,
The Segvic Family
Hap was one of the first people we met when we moved to Friendswood in 1959. She sacked our groceries at Baker Food Market before we even moved in. She became even more special as we got to know her. Her nickname fitted her well.
I found out yesterday on Christmas Day about the passing of my Aunt Hap. I was saddened and ashamed that more effort had not been made on my part to stay actively involved with all my family. Uncle Linn and Aunt Hap have been and will always be a shining example of the Grace of our Heavenly Father. Aunt Hap, I will miss you and the contagious joy that was an effortless and integral part of who you are and will always be.
Much Love
Kenny