Walter Franklin Washington

Walter Franklin Washington

April 23, 1931, until December 30, 2010.

Walter Franklin Washington, stepped on board "The Old Ship of Zion", Thursday, December 30, 2010, at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

Walter was born at home in Freetown, a small community near Crozet, on April 23, 1931, to Marvin and Helen Mills Washington, both predeceased. Also, preceding him in death was his brother, Mason Washington of Richmond; and sister, Martha "Betty" Washington Jackson of Charlottesville.

He is survived by his sister, Margaret W. Porter of Atco, New Jersey. He was educated in the Albemarle County School system and graduated from Albemarle Training School.

Walter accepted Christ as his savior and became a member of Piedmont Baptist Church, Yancey Mills, at a very early age. On June 18, 1951, Walter was called to serve his country in the United States Army. He was a soldier in the Korean War, awarded the "Purple Heart" for heroism and the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars. Walter was honorably discharged December, 1956.

October 1, 1953, Walter married his "Angel", Anita Delores Wrice, of Yancey Mills. Their 57 year union is blessed with five children, Ceadric L. Washington (Gail Kuehn), of Watonga, Oklahoma, Trustee Ronald D. Washington (Jacqueline M. Washington) of Yancey Mills, Virginia, Zelita R. Washington (Jesse Johnson) of Richmond, Virginia, Deacon Randolph F.W. Washington of Columbia, South Carolina, and Gwynda D. Williams (Dr. Amos C. Williams Jr.) of San Antonio, Texas. A loving son/nephew, James A. Jackson, cherishes his memory. Walter and Anita have 11 grandchildren, Franklin Washington of Charlottesville, Virginia, Clifton Walker of Whiteman AFB, Missouri, Marvin Washington of Arlington, Virginia, Ronald "Lee" Washington of Yancey Mills, Virginia, Christopher O. Washington of Quincy, Massachusetts, Marcus D. Washington of Springfield, Massachusetts, Destiny D. Washington of Watonga, Oklahoma, Christian S. Washington of Columbia, South Carolina, Joshua T. A. Williams and John A. G. Williams, both of San Antonio, Texas, and Maximus J. Washington of Watonga, Oklahoma. They have four great-grandchildren, Tianna Washington of Charlottesville, Virginia, Diamon S., Dejah I. and Adara M. Walker, all of Atlanta, Georgia.

Walter also leaves to mourn his loss, sisters-in- law, Ruby Stradford Boston of Yancey Mills, Virginia, and Louise Jones of Chicago, Illinois; Aunt, Magdalene McClenon of Baltimore, Maryland; Uncle, Ellis Jackson of Louisville, Kentucky; and a multitude of close relatives and friends.

Walter Washington was employed by Beaumont Juvenile Complex, Greenwood Reality, Albemarle County Public School Transportation Department, Acme Visible Records, Morton Frozen Foods and Richmond Beneficial and Universal Life Insurance Company. Walter retired as a State of Virginia employee from Albemarle/Charlottesville Joint Complex.

Walter was very active with Piedmont Baptist Church and the community. He served as a Deacon at Piedmont Baptist Church for close to 40 years and sang with Piedmont's choir for longer than most can remember. Walter served on the Charlottesville/ Albemarle Deacon and Deaconess Council and Youth Division. He served as past President of a Local (AFLCIO) Teamsters Union at Acme Visible Records. He was a member of American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW). Walter served faithfully as Secretary of FAAYM Pride of VA 122 Charlottesville, VA Masonic Lodge, where he also earned the distinction of honorary past Worshipful Master. Walter's deep bass voice afforded him singing opportunities with famous groups like The Ink Spots and The Platters. He performed with 88 Keys Wilson, Billy Hearns and a number of "Battle of The Band" local competitions as well as fundraising events for Chihamba's African American Cultural Arts Festival scholarships. His bass singing talent was heard with the Gospel Crusaders, Gospel Uniques and a host of other gospel choirs and groups throughout Virginia and other states. Walter's voice was so loved by many that he was called upon often to render impromptu solos. Walter was honored to serve when his grandsons requested he take on the role of Santa Clause at Western Albemarle High School in early 2000. It was Walter's joy to sing and to serve.

Most would agree that in one minute, Walter was a man you had not met before but, he would make you feel like you had been friends forever. That first meeting with Walter Washington would feel like a reunion with an old friend. Walter's smile was warm and inviting, his laughter was infectious, his handshake dependable, listening to his deep baritone/bass voice whether he was talking, telling a story or singing "Tis The Old Ship of Zion", you were mesmerized with spirit, awed with wisdom, and captured with love.

Funeral services will be held 12 p.m. Saturday January 8, 2011, at Crozet Baptist Church, 5804 Saint George Avenue, Crozet, VA 22932.

Interment will follow at Piedmont Baptist Church Cemetery, Yancey Mills, Virginia.

Family visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the funeral.

Anita and the family extend heart felt wishes of thanks to the excellent team of health care providers at Martha Jefferson Hospital; Dr. Bruce Clements; Dr. Stefan Gorsch and HOPE Center staff; ICU and 6th floor medical staff. We sincerely appreciate all of the acts of love and kindness that you have extended to each of us.

Anita and the family request that you make donations to Piedmont Baptist Church Rebuilding Fund, In Memory of Walter F. Washington, P.O. Box 593, Crozet, VA 22932, in lieu of flowers.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.jfbellfuneralhome.com.

J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.