Rev. Carrie M. Washington

On Nov. 4, 2008, by the Grace of God and Our Loving Savior Jesus the Christ our Mother woke up to the sound of Angels calling her home to rest.

Carrie Elizabeth Webb was born on Oct. 11, 1930, in Petersburg to Elizabeth Webb (Lucius Alston), both deceased. She grew up in Dinwiddie County. Accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized at Rocky Branch Baptist Church. Raised by her loving grandmother, Isabella Webb, aunts Matlean Robinson, Naomi Webb, Uncle Amos Webb (all deceased), and Aunt Mary Webb (Petersburg). Carrie moved to Petersburg and joined Bethany Missionary Baptist Church where she worshiped and served the Lord for 55 years. Educated in the public school system, Carrie is a graduate of Virginia State University (home economics), Seton Hall University (early childhood development) and Evan Smith School of Theology Virginia Union University (pastoral studies). She married Willie Winston Miles S. (deceased) and their union produced stepsons, James Bernard (Margaret), Abraham (deceased), Willie Jr (Peggy); sons Xavier "Javier" (deceased), Victor (Sylvia), Hal (Gayle), Ira (Cindy), Van (Angela); and grandchildren, Hal II, Christopher, Iman, Latira, Danielle, Britney, Ciara, Alysha, Aarin, Austin, Jovan, Haili; and one great-grandchild, Destini; and extended families, Moss, Harris and Crenshaw. After the death of Willie Miles Sr., she married George C. Washington Jr. (deceased) and lived happily in God's joy for 22 years until his health failed.

Carrie Miles Washington was a fashion consultant. She loved to make clothes. An entrepreneur of her own tailor shop she designed and altered garments to the pleasure of patrons. Her profession allowed her to befriend many and people came to know her for her kindness and generosity.

The Rev. Carrie Miles Washington was a caring member of the Blandford community. She loved her neighbors and the youth. The Rev Washington served her community and the Lord as Cub Scout den mother, Blandford Elementary School teacher aid and sewing instructor (volunteer), Sunday School teacher, Youth Choir directress, Mass Choir, Missionary, president of Blandford Elementary School PTA (life member of National PTA).

In 1969, the Rev. Carrie Washington (Carrie Miles, her name at that time) was appointed to the Petersburg Public School Board and became the first African-American woman to hold the position. The Rev. Washington went to the state Board of Education of Charlottesville and proposed an alternative school program for students to have a second chance to learn. The state Board of Education approved the program and Petersburg became the first school system in the country to have an alternative school. Today, all 50 states have the program. The Rev. Washington served as an associate pastor at Bethany Missionary Baptist Church until her death.

Special thanks to everyone who helped in the 24-hour home care of our mother, our brother, Hal and family (Gayle, Hal II, Britney and Alysha), Terri Jones, Yvonne Short, Heaven Sent and Crater Hospice. A special thanks to Terry Mallory who was with Hal when our mother passed. Mrs. Washington had several devoted friends, Ms. Susie Smith and daughter, Stalla, Clara Bozeman, Bernice Taylor, Lelia Boone, Maud Reid and the whole family of the late Edna Mae Weaver (a dear friend and sister in Christ).

A homegoing service will be held at noon on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at the Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, Petersburg, with the Rev. Chris McCall officiating. Burial will commence at the Dinwiddie Memorial Park. The family will receive guests and condolences at 3821 Dupuy Road, Petersburg, VA 23805; phone, (804) 526-7257.

The Rev. Washington may be viewed from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, at the Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, where the family will also receive friends that evening.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the staff of the Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, (804) 478-4411.