Elizabeth Washington

Public viewing for Mother Elizabeth Perry Washingtonwill be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and a wake from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Peoples Funeral Home, 886 North Farish Street, Jackson, Mississippi.

Funeral Services for Mother Elizabeth Perry Washington will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Charity Baptist Church, 954 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, Mississippi. Her Final Resting Place will be at Jones Cemetery, Madison Ave. (Liberty Park), Madison, Mississippi

Mother Elizabeth "Lizibeth" Perry Washington, was born on June 8, 1932, in Madison, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Alberta Stewart Perry and James Henry Perry. She was one of many siblings in a large and deeply rooted family. From an early age, Elizabeth demonstrated remarkable determination to rise above the limitations placed before her. She became the first in her family to complete schooling beyond the fourth grade-a milestone that marked the beginning of a life dedicated to learning and leadership.

Elizabeth's spiritual journey began early when she joined Mt. Charity Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend R.L. Luckett. She remained a faithful member for many years, contributing not only through music but also through steadfast participation in church life.

Elizabeth pursued higher education with passion and purpose. She earned a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi, and later obtained a second Bachelor's degree in music from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Her academic achievements were not only personal triumphs but also symbols of progress for her entire family.

For 33 years, Elizabeth served as an educator, shaping young minds with dedication and care. Her influence extended beyond the classroom through her leadership as President of the American Federation of Teachers Mississippi. She was an active member of the NAACP and a committed civil rights and voting activist-roles that reflected her deep commitment to justice and equality. She was also a member of Precious Jewel Court #146 Heroines of Jericho in Madison, Mississippi.

Music was another cornerstone of Elizabeth's life. With private piano lessons funded by monthly allotments from the United States Army following the death of her brother during World War II, she cultivated a lifelong love for music. That love blossomed into service when she became a music teacher, choir director, and pianist at Mt. Charity Baptist Church following in the footsteps of her mother, Alberta Perry, the church's first musician.

She carried herself with the strength and pride emblematic of what came to be known as the Perry legacy-large in stature, temper, and character. Entrusted with both the written and oral history of her family, Elizabeth became its living archive-a storyteller whose memory preserved generations past for those yet to come.

Elizabeth passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, in Ridgeland, Mississippi. A lifelong Mississippian and a pillar of her community, she leaves behind a legacy of education, activism, music, and unwavering family devotion.

She now joins in rest her beloved husband J. B. Washington; her parents; brothers James Green Perry, Henry Perry, Thomas James Perry, Frederick Alexander Perry ("Red"), Charlie Perry, Nathaniel Perry ("Boy"), Eddie Perry; sisters Mary Francis Gray, Edith Perry, Dorothy Perry, Alberta Palmer ("Coot"); and three siblings who died at birth.

Elizabeth is lovingly remembered by her youngest sister Terlena Westbrook, children: Carolyn Evans; Thomas James Evans (Wanda); Jacob Washington Jr.; Johnny Washington (Veronica); Kara Harris (Eddie); and son-in-love, Haywood Hannah (Flora). Her grandchildren include Tekemia Latham (Tony), James Evans, Michael Evans (Rebekah), Joe Cotton (Antionette), Myeisha Finley, Jacob Washington III, Zamariah Washington, Ja'Kyri Washington, Janelle Jefferson (Reginald), and Faith Sullivan (Shermaine). She is also survived by special friends to the family Perry Ashley and LaMarian Pillers, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, friends, and students.

May her memory bring comfort and inspiration to those who knew her and followed in her footsteps.

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