Barbara A. Washington

Mrs. Barbara Ann (Burton) Washington, daughter of Mr. Emmett and Mrs. Lovelena (Turns) Burton was born November 7, 1940 in Sharon, West Virginia and departed this life at home, April 28, 2022 surrounded by her loving husband and family.

Barbara graduated from Central High School in Columbus, Ohio in 1960. Early in life, she accepted the Lord as her personal Savior and attended Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith where she served in various roles including usher, member of the Sisters’ Club, and Sunday School teacher.

Barbara met the love of her life, Nathaniel, and would later be joined in Holy Matrimony on February 15, 1964. To this union three beautiful and successful children were born. Barbara balanced the commitment of family while working outside the home. Barbara retired from Billie Brown Jones Family Health Center and expanded her love and service to others by establishing a catering business. Barbara was an expert and sought-after seamstress and designed and crafted weddings and event dresses for multiple friends and families. In addition, she always enjoyed the time preparing and sharing homemade rolls, sweet potato pies, cakes, banana pudding and dinners for individuals and groups.

Barbara did outreach work in the community affiliated with Raah Ministries, Sisters and Girlfriends in Christ (SAGIC) & Little Flock Children’s Ministry, and the “Praisers”. One of the most defining moments in her life was making the decision to align her faith and share her gifts with Rhema Christian Center in 1983, while working with other men and women of God to feed others with God’s word, kindness, encouragement and compassion. She was a very faithful member for 37 years as she contributed to the church as a teacher of new members, Sunday school, and Understanding God classes. She was also an Ordained Minister, Deacon, worker in the Café, counter of tithes and offerings, and church trustee board member.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Emmett and Mrs. Lovelena Burton; and sisters, Ms. Rosetta Lee Mitchell, Mrs. Lena Loretta (Lofie) Perrin, Miss Johnnie Mae Burton, Mrs. Arthelia Louise (Douchie) Hague, Mrs. Linda Faye Thomas, and Ms. Jackie Lundy.

Barbara leaves to celebrate her life; her devoted husband of 58 years Nathaniel Washington; her faithful sons, Dr. L. Marshall (Tonja) Washington and Dr. Nathan J. (Liza) Washington; caring daughter, Mrs. Natalie L. (Albert) Washington-Williams; step-son, Mr. Stewart Matthews; son in law, Mr. Jeffery Tarver; daughter in law, Dr. Yolonda Washington; brothers, Mr. James E. Burton, Mr. Frank Lee (Renee) Burton, Mr. Edward (Michelle) Burton, Mr. Maceo Burton, and Mr. Zantika Burton; brothers in law, Mr. Bobby Hague, Mr. Jimmy Thomas, Mr. Willie Outlaw, Mr. Franklin (Jo Ann) Jenkins, Mr. John Jenkins, Mr. James Fredrick Jenkins; sisters in law, Ms. Dorothy (Silas) Jenkins, Mrs. Ruthie Mae Smith, Mrs. Luvenia Betty (Billy) Cross, Mrs. Vernell Daniels, and Mrs. Jenell (Victor) Vincent; grandsons, Mr. William N. Washington, Mr. Joseph E. Washington, Mr. Ethan P. Washington, Mr. Nelson A. Washington, Mr. Jordan L. Washington, Mr. Jeffery Tarver, Jr., and Mr. Devin Harris; granddaughters, Miss Ebony R. Washington, Miss Lauren E. Washington, Miss Edmee Lyan Washington, Miss Taquilla Matthews, and Miss Jocelyn Matthews; a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, cousins and friends. Close sister friends are Mrs. Theresa Burns, Ms. Betty Jo Nelson, Mrs. Sandy Bennett, Ms. Charlesetta Pennington, and Ms. Dorothea Johnson. Her extended family includes many cherished close friends, God parents of her children, other relatives, and many spiritual sons and daughters. Barbara lived and leaves a legacy that included many from the Washington, Jenkins, Britt, Scott, Turns, Lemon and Burton families that is extended through multiple blood and spiritual lines.
One of Barbara’s positive affirmations for others included “I’m somebody special I’m the only one of my kind. God made me special with a bright healthy mind.”

Visitation 10:00am and Funeral 12:00pm Monday, May 9, 2022 at Rhema Christian Center, 2100 Agler Road.

Interment at Evergreen Burial Park.