She was born Charlotte Louise Berry in Washington, D.C. When the Navy opened support roles to women, Charlotte and her sister, Sophie, joined in 1917. By December 1918, more than 11,000 women had enlisted and were serving in support positions. In 1919, most of the Yeoman (F) were released from the service. At that time she had attained the rank of Yeoman (F) Second Class in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Winters was able to return to the same position as a civil servant. Winters served as a secretary, and retired in 1953.

Winters helped to found the National Yeoman (F) Association in 1926 and served as its eighth commander in 1940 and 1941. She was active in the American Legion for 88 years.

At the time of her death, she was the oldest living WWI veteran in the USA.