Winifred Goldie Ware, 86, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2016. Winifred Akard, or Winnie, as her loved ones called her, was born in Long Beach, California on December 28, 1929, to Perry and Anna Akard. Winnie moved to Bakersfield as a young child and graduated from East Bakersfield High School. She attended college and became one of the first female detectives for the Bakersfield Police Department. She went on to become Sergeant of the Juvenile Division and worked for the BPD for over 25 years.

After her time at the police department, Winnie became a successful business woman, owning and operating a flower shop, liquor store, office supply store, an envelope company, and a real estate investment company.

Winnie loved traveling to other countries with Jim and enjoyed worshipping at Grace Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband James F. Ware, her daughter Claudine Hutchison, daughter Christine Hutchison de Lopez and husband Ramon Lopez Quirarte, her son Kelly Hutchison and wife Larraine, daughter Peri Ann Carroll and husband Roy. Winnie leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Thursday, April 7, 2016, at 10:00 AM at Grace Baptist Church, located at 2550 Jewetta Avenue. The family would like to thank Pastor Andy and his wife Christine, and Winnie’s many friends for their prayers and support.