Courtesy Stancil Family Reunion Archive
Catherine "Windi" Melinda Crabtree Quinby, daughter of Charles "Charlie" Myron Crabtree Jr. and Katherine Elaine Braxton, was born March 8, 1971, in Durham, North Carolina. She joined her older brother, John Shayne, and was the fourth grandchild of Jack and Gurnie Stancil Crabtree.
Windi spent her childhood in North Carolina, surrounded by a large and loving extended family. Her grandfather Jack Crabtree raised horses and cattle, and when Windi was just 3 years old he placed her on his Palomino gelding, Major. That moment sparked a lifelong love of horses and riding.
She treasured family traditions and outings. At age 12, she traveled with her grandmother Gurnie, Aunt Jane, and cousin Stephanie to Disney World—a trip she remembered with joy for the rest of her life.
Her parents' separation was difficult, but when her father married Cynthia “Cindi” Carter in 1981, Windi formed a close and meaningful bond with her stepmother. Cindi, a Wake County high school teacher, became a role model and helped inspire Windi's own path into education. Their shared love of teaching, learning, and helping children became one of the defining relationships of Windi's life.
Windi attended Clayton High School, where she was a popular cheerleader. After graduation, she enrolled at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in Wilson, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. She excelled as a teacher—warm, organized, and deeply committed to her students. Her leadership skills quickly became evident, and she was encouraged to move into administration. Windi went on to direct several daycare centers and K-3 programs in Wake County, improving their state ratings through her dedication, creativity, and high standards. Families, staff, and children often described her as the heart of their school community.
Windi married William "Rusty" Pounds, and together they welcomed her daughter, Kayla Lane Pounds. Though the marriage ended, Windi found lasting happiness when she met Kyle Alexander Quinby through mutual friends. Windi and Kyle married and settled in Garner, North Carolina, where they welcomed their son, Christopher Charles Quinby.
In 1998, Windi's life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with an enlarged heart. Under the care of Dr. Kevin Harrison at Duke Heart Center, she transferred to the University of Virginia Medical Center, where she received a heart transplant in May 1999. Her recovery was remarkable. In 2003, she made Duke Hospital history as the first heart transplant recipient to give birth there when Christopher was born on August 24.
Her transplant gave her twelve and a half more years—years filled with family, teaching, holidays, beach trips, and celebrations. Her faith deepened, sustaining her through challenges and inspiring those around her. She never took life for granted and cherished even the smallest moments: sunshine, laughter, the feel of grass under her feet, and time spent with her children.
Windi adored animals, especially her beloved gray toy poodle, Doodles, who chose to sleep beside her every night. She loved arts and crafts days with Cindi, girls' weekends at Myrtle Beach, and family gatherings. In 2000, she sent her Aunt Jane a book titled Aunts: A Celebration of Those Special Women in Our Lives, a gesture that reflected her generous spirit and deep affection for the people she loved.
In August 2010, Windi made a heartfelt decision to leave her career in education to spend more time with Kayla and Christopher. She embraced being a stay-at-home mother with joy, creating memories that her children will carry forever.
On September 19, 2011, she wrote to her Aunt Jane: "I love you and thank you for being such a wonderful, strong lady in my family's life." It was a final reflection of her gratitude, kindness, and the love she shared so freely.
Windi passed away unexpectedly from heart complications on October 15, 2011, at home in Garner. She was 40 years old. A memorial service was held at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh, followed by burial at Brier Creek Memorial Gardens.
She is remembered as a devoted mother, a loving wife, a cherished daughter and granddaughter, and a woman whose radiant smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering love touched everyone she met. Her life, though far too short, remains a testament to courage, faith, and the joy she brought to others.