Winona Bius Herbik

Winona “Deets” Bius Herbik died peacefully on June 30, 2021 after 96 years of a life fully lived.

Visitation will be held at the Cobb Funeral Chapel in Moultrie on Monday, July 5, 2021 from 6-7:30pm. The family will commence recitation of the Rosary at 7:30pm. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 10am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Moultrie with burial to follow at Pinecrest Memory Gardens.

She was born on August 20, 1924 to Jake T. Bius and Minona Hortman Sizemore Bius in Worth County, Ga. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband of over 50 years (John [Johnny] Herbik, Jr.), and her step-grandson, John Andrew Brogan, Jr. She is the last of her generation, which included seven siblings: Vernon Bius, Albert Bius, John Hubert Bius, Jake T. Bius, Thomas L. Sizemore, Wilma Louise Bius Beverly, and Julia Bius Lastinger.

Winona will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She married the love of her life, Johnny Herbik, on November 8, 1947. The couple briefly relocated to Nemacolin, Pa, Johnny’s hometown, and returned to Moultrie, Ga. in 1955 where they raised their only child, Patricia (Patty) Herbik Brogan.

Winona possessed a penchant for learning, excelled academically, and engendered a passion for nursing. She graduated from Doerun High School in 1941. She then enrolled in and graduated from the Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing where she received her RN diploma. With diploma in hand, she immediately went to work as a registered nurse at Vereen Memorial Hospital in Moultrie. Subsequently, she graduated with honors from Florida State University in 1968 whereat she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She advanced her nursing education and skillset through completion of a Masters of Nursing from Emory University in 1978. Professionally, she was committed to the field of public health nursing in the state of Georgia and served first as Chief Nurse in the Southwest Health District, then as District Health Program Manager, and finally as Deputy Health Director until she retired in 1990.  

After her retirement, she remained actively involved in her Moultrie community. She enjoyed swimming at the Moultrie YMCA and developing her artistic talents through the Moultrie Arts Center. She also served as Board Member of Hope House in Moultrie. She competed in the Women’s Race Walk at the 1995 United States National Senior Games. Winona was a devout Catholic and parishioner at the Immaculate Conception Church in Moultrie where she served as the Church Council President for many years; was a member of the Rosary-Altar Society; chaired several committees, such as for the Church’s annual spaghetti supper and Church building; and was a Eucharistic Minister. She was also awarded the Gartland Award for exceptional, longstanding service to her church by the Diocese of Savannah.

Winona loved visiting with her daughter, Patty, and her family in New Jersey for holidays, family celebrations, sporting events, and trips to Jekyll Island every summer.  She remained a lifelong reader-sharing stories and lessons with her family and friends on politics, world events, cultural trends, and health-related news.

Winona is survived by her daughter, Patty Herbik Brogan; son-in-law, Jack Brogan Sr.; granddaughter Leah Brogan, and her husband, Kyle Murray; step-granddaughter, Kasey Brogan-Lardieri, and her husband, Damian Lardieri; and six step-great-grandchildren, Madison, Erinn, and Emma Brogan; Ryleigh Greenhalgh; and River and Remi Lardieri.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Winona’s name to the Immaculate Conception Church, 1132 Second Street, S.E., Moultrie, GA 31768. For more information, to send condolences or for directions, please visit https://www.cobbfuneralchapel.com/.