Winifred Loving

Winifred Marie Loving was born in Boston, MA. She received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Newton College of the Sacred Heart and the Masters of Science degree, specializing in Early Childhood Development, from Wheelock College. She took the pen name “Oyoko” while visiting Ghana, West Africa. “Oyoko” means “member of a royal clan.” (She thinks she’s a queen!). After a thirty-year teaching career in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Oyoko delights in the beauty of her favorite island writing children’s literature, enjoying gospel music, and embracing the hues and views of every spectacular sunset from her veranda.

Ms. Loving is also the author of two books of poems entitled Remember When, Spontaneous, and three children’s books: My Name Is Freedom, My Grandma Loves to Play, and Jeepney Love.

She is the president of The Children’s Museum of St. Croix and coauthored Creative Callaloo: Art, Poems, and Recipes Inspired by the Virgin Islands with Danica M. David, famed artist and chef Mark E. Davis.