Emily Washington

Emily Washington

Emily Radford Dearing Washington, the second child born to the union of William and Bessie L. McDaniel Dearing, was born on March 28, 1924. When Bessie secured a job as cook for New Jersey State Senator Charles Eaton from Watchung, she brought along her daughter to New Jersey. Emily was educated by private teachers in Watchung as well as at Hubbard School in Plainfield for a short time, then returning to Watchung. During World War ll, Emily was employed by Cornell Dubilier and Harrison Steel in South Plainfield while her husband Harold served our country in the Pacific. Post-war, Emily worked at RCA in Rahway, Westinghouse in Edison and Lockheed in Watchung while Harold served as a police officer in the city of Plainfield. Immediately following the riots she and Harold opened the Washington Deli on Plainfield Avenue (directly across from the pool). Prior to and following that time, she owned and operated "Washington Caterers" for approximately 50 years. Her entire family were hard-working members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for many years. Emily was a member of the Missionaries, Pastor's Aid, Senior Choir and Vacation Bible School Teacher. She was a supportive Assistant Pastor's wife at White Rock Baptist Church in South Plainfield. Following Harold's death Emily reactivated her membership at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. When she moved to the Towers West Facility, she joined the Rose of Sharon Community Church, where she continued her walk with the LORD as a Missionary and Church Mother. However, being the outspoken political activist who everyone came to know, "Miss Emily" served as a member of numerous organizations and was often in the fore-front of more causes than most people can remember. Her memberships and affiliations include: NAACP Life Member; Republican Party City, County and State levels, Member of the Afro-Republicans of Union County; Overseer of Laura W. Lee United Order of Antelopes; Past Daughter Ruler, Mohawk Temple #191, l.B.P.O.E. of W.; Past Grand Officer of Terrill Tent #34; American Legion Auxiliary Johnson Jeter Post 219 and county; Founding Member of Faith, Bricks & Mortar, serving as a trustee; Citizen's Advisory Budget Committee of the Plainfield Board of Education; Advisor for the Junior Elks Young ladies Auxiliary; and served on fundraising committees for the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. She functioned as Advisor to the Coalition for Plainfield Cares & Drug Mart as well as WallynZay Autistic Kids Can Do. She was Founding member of the Towers West Ladies Club. Health permitting, she was a vocal regular attendee at the Plainfield City Council meetings. As an active member of the Plainfield Senior Citizens Center, she participated in event planning as well as the Knitting Club and H.G. Washington Annual Pool Tournament. She also founded the H.G. Washington Memorial Scholarship Fund. Prior to eyesight failure, she enjoyed knitting items for veterans serving in Afghanistan and in VA hospital facilities. Emily also expressed her care for the community with many independent social projects and initiatives. She knew how to organize, delegate and execute an awesome event. Emily had an open door policy with plenty to eat on the table. Emily accepted the responsibility of caregiver and executor for several close friends who frequented her home. By example, her family extended beyond bloodlines; everyone was made to feel welcome as she nurtured them spiritually and physically. Mrs. Washington was never seen without wearing a hat befitting her every occasion.

Emily was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Harold G. Washington, both of her parents and brother, William, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory: 1 brother, Clifford Dearing; 2 daughters, Janice Johnson-Richards and Lorraine I. Green; 5 grandchildren, Sheldon, Tracy and Gerald Green, Jr, and Matthew D. and Deborah C. Johnson; 9 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren, and 3 god-daughters, Lena, Martha and Regina; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral Mon. 7pm in Rose of Sharon Community Church, 825 West Seventh St., Plainfield, preceded by viewing at 5pm. Interment, Tues. 10am in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Arrangements by Brown's Funeral Home www.brownsfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Plainfield Rescue Squad, 700 West Seventh St., Plainfield, NJ 07060.