The United Negro College Fund - the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, has received a $100,000 gift from the estate of the late Theaster Winston.

Ms. Winston was born in Steele, Mo., the eldest of seven children born to T.J. and Anna Winston. She spent most of her life in Chicago, IL attending Englewood High School and graduating in 1956.  A trend-setter at heart, she was a pioneering female barber. She later worked for the Chicago Transit Authority for more than  20 years as a bus driver, where she retired.  Ms. Winston was a foster and an adopted mom to many. She spent her entire life helping those in need.

She loved her family and friends, and especially her niece and nephew Brianna and Will Jr. whom she cared for. Ms. Winston enjoyed cooking, traveling and opening her home for parties, picnics, barbecues and other family gatherings. A two-time survivor of cancer, she was a devoted member of Faith Covenant Fellowship Church.

"We are grateful for this generous gift from Ms. Winston," said UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D. "She understood the importance of every child getting a good education. Her investment in future generations of young people will inspire them to become leaders in their communities. This gift will help the next generation of doctors, lawyers, scientists and teachers get the education they need and our nation needs them to have. "