First Lady Winnie Pone Rouse, a North Carolinian, is the daughter of the late Mr. George and Mrs. Letha P. Pone. She received her early religious training in her home and through her church, Willis Creek A.M.E. Zion Church of Fayetteville, NC. Her mother instilled in Winnie and her two sisters, the importance of reading the Bible, fasting, praying and watching at an early age.
She was educated in the public schools of Cumberland County (Anne Chesnutt High) of Fayetteville, NC. She received a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Mathematics from Fayetteville State University of Fayetteville, NC, where she also pledged and became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She received her Master's of Library Science degree from North Carolina Central University of Durham, NC. She and Pastor Rouse are the proud parents of one son, Reverend Matthew Dion Rouse, III, his lovely wife, Marquitta and an adorable grandson, Matthew IV.
Since retiring in 2010 with 40 years of teaching in education, she continues to be involved in the educational setting by volunteering at various local schools. She has served on numerous committees and held many local positions from Secretary to President in the Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows Association of Fayetteville and North Carolina.
Winnie Rouse, who is a graceful woman with a kind heart and a humble spirit, enjoys assisting her pastor husband, Dr. Matthew Rouse, Jr. as needed in ministry. Since being affiliated with the Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, she has:
* Organized the church library with an emphasis on family fellowship
* Implemented and organized the Annual Women's Conference
* Restructured and facilitates the 'New Members Orientation Class' under the direction of Pastor Rouse
* Restructured the Hospitality Ministry
* Served as Director of Vacation Bible School
* Served as Director of the Floral Ministry
* Serves as coordinator of the Annual Christmas Ministry
* Serves as the coordinator of the Women's Ministry
She tries to live by example, working in the background. She believes in seeking God's guidance in all things. One of her most treasured passages of scripture is Proverbs 3:5.....
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
