Barbara Louise Washington Program

Musical Prelude .................................................................................

Solo ......................................................................................................

Scripture Readings .............................................................................

Old Testament - New Testament Prayer of Comfort ..............................................................................

Reading of the Obituary.....................................................................

Remarks & Reflection .....................................(2 minute limit, please) Poem....................................................................................................

Eulogy .......................................... Dr. Ralph B. Terrell, Pastor Solo......................................................................................................

Benediction .........................................................................................

Recessional..............................................Clergy Officials & The Family Interment New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery Wrightstown, NJ Repast following service sponsored by Trinity United Methodist Church

Barbara Louise Thompson was the eldest child born to Olva Johnson and James Thompson. She had four brothers, James, and Robert Thompson (predeceased), Oliver Thompson and Earl Davis. Barbara was born and raised in Newark, NJ. She received her education through Newark Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1947.

Barbara married Willie David (Jabo) Washington in 1948 and that union produced three children, Georgette, Douglas, and Geraldine.

They remained married for 58 years before her beloved husband Willie’s (Jabo) death in 2006.

Barbara had a beautiful smile and a loving spirit. Her commitment to God, family and community was the center of her passions. Barbara was multifaceted. Barbara was a perfect example of how to live with purpose, a legacy of strength, perseverance, knowledge, and resourcefulness. In her earlier adult years, she worked at Merritt Mailing Service while raising her family. Barbara and Willie then got the entrepreneurial spirit and ventured into their own businesses, including a restaurant and dry cleaners. Barbara and Willie established the Washington Cleaners at 959 Bergen Street in Newark and operated that business for 36 years before retiring. Barbara was a businesswoman, a seamstress, customer service representative, presser, a baker, a photo - historian who loved photos and capturing life’s precious moments and all-around jack of all trades.

She provided jobs, mentorship, and a work ethic to model for those she employed. Barbara was a role model to many, a proud black woman making black history.

Legacy of Faith: Barbara was a faithful servant of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1960 and has been an active member for 61 years. She served faithfully as an usher, church board member, summer youth program leader and the “Meals of Hope” Program (where she cooked, served, and fellowshipped with community people in need of a hot meal). Barbara’s legacy of faith was her willingness to serve the church in any capacity where there was a need. She had a big heart and loved her church. In her retirement, Barbara fed many of her neighbors at her senior residence on Bergen Street as a testament to her faith and belief in helping others wherever it might be needed. She will be sorely missed among people of the Newark community.

Barbara leaves to mourn: siblings, Oliver and Earl; children, Georgette, Douglas, and Geraldine; grandchildren, Brian, Ransom III, Maurice, Delilah (Dea), Lisa (preceding her), Melanie, and Zakiya; great grandchildren, Ransom IV, Shequita, Brad, Kyle (preceding her), Azana, Zakee, Deja-Ne, Rianna, and Bernie; great-great grandchildren, Ransom V, Tomaj, Mattie, Reminisce, Reign, and Royal.