Geraldine Wright Washington

The Music, The Ministry, & The Legacy Of

Sis. Geraldine Wright

I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness‌.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Washington

St. John Institutional Baptist Church 2528 Jackson Avenue * New Orleans, LA 70113 Rev. Dr. Louis S. Jones, Host Pastor Rev. Dr. Mitchell J. Stevens, Officiant

November 21, 2014 & November 22, 2014 Friday, 7:00 PM Eulogistic Musical

Saturday, 10:00 AM Homegoing Celebration

The Music, The Ministry, The Life & The Legacy “Once a task has begun, never leave it until it’s done.

Be the labor great or small do it well or not at all!”

Geraldine Wright Washington was the seventh child born to the late Rev. James Bernell Wright Sr. and Meddie Thomas Wright. Exposed to the teachings of Christ at a very tender age, Sister Washington accepted Him as her Savior early in her youthful life. She was baptized at the St. John Baptist Church No. 3 under the leadership of the late Rev. F.W. Scott.

Sister Washington received her formal years of education at the Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School and graduated from McDonogh 35 High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Dillard University, a Masters and Doctorate of Theology from the Union Baptist Seminary. She taught over 26 years at numerous schools in the Jefferson Parish School System, retiring in 1988.

In preparation for a life of dedicated service, her parents introduced Sister Washington to gospel music. To enhance and strengthen her music ability, she was encouraged to read, study the scriptures and attend bible study regularly. At five years of age, her parents could not afford private piano lessons for her with seven children to rear. As a result, in recognizing her talent, her uncle and aunt, the late Mose and Rosalie Thomas paid the late Professor Oscar Martin of Milwaukee, Wisconsin to tutor her until she entered college.

As a teenager Sister Washington played piano at the St. Joseph Baptist Church where the late Rev. C.J. Allen was the pastor and the Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ, pastored by the late “Dad” and “Mother” Jones.

Sister Washington’s musical ministry was further influenced through the masterful teaching of the late Professor, Dr. Edwin B. Hogan, wherein she was immersed into piano lessons and choir practice which were paramount in her stride for musical excellence. In addition, she was the pianist for Historic Second Baptist Church and Pentecostal Church of God In Christ (Memphis, Tennessee).

Sister Washington’s early life was structured with an array of appearances and performances. Among the many included are: The Izzy Kiddie Show formerly heard on W.M.R.Y. radio; The Arthur Godfrey’s T.V. Show and The Apollo Theatre of New York City; The National Baptist Convention of America; and an appearance with Rev. Clay Evans in Chicago, Illinois. In addition, Sister Washington has unselfishly shared her gifts locally and nationally with gospel greats such as Rev. James Cleveland, Mattie Moss Clark, The Roberta Martin Singers, The Caravans, The Ward Singers, Sister Dorothy Norwood, and Sister Albertina Walker. Also, among her affiliations are Reverend Cleophus Robinson, Sister Bessie Griffin, Sister Katie Sankey, The Cavalcade of Gospel Stars, The Gospel Music Workshop of America (Section Leader) and Sisters Helen Stephens and Gloria Griffin.

Sister Washington’s service of dedication to God includes: Organizer and founder of the Christian Four Singers and the Herman Brown Community Chorus; Director and Minster of Music of the Louisiana Freedman Missionary Baptist General Association Chorus; Director of the Prayer Tower Church of God In Christ Choir, Faith Temple Church of God and Christ Choir (New York), Washington Temple Church of God in Christ (Brooklyn, New York), Providence Baptist Church Choir (Kenner, Louisiana), Ebenezer Baptist Church Radio Choir, St. Joseph Baptist Church, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, First Thessalonian Baptist Church, Pilgrim Progress Baptist Church, Pilgrim Baptist Church (Kenner, La.), and Little Zion Baptist Church.

Working with groups of voices, which represented both white and blue collar professionals, Sister Washington has taught many who didn’t have any formal training to sing God praises. Her style of gospel singing has attracted participation in many soul-seeking services. Among which included: Musicals at the Booker T. Washington Auditorium, The I.L.A. Hall and the Municipal Auditorium (over 3,000 in attendance); the first choir in New Orleans to be presented with Rev. James Cleveland and at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival; and the first person to bring Singing Sammie Bryant to New Orleans.

Sister Washington was responsible for introducing drums and four part harmony into the Baptist Churches in New Orleans. She has been presented as a soloist with the Helen Robertson Youth Choir, the Original Harmonettes, Professor Frank Williams, special guest of the President of the Louisiana Home and Foreign Mission Board, the Wilson and Watson Singers, and on program for the prisoners at the Orleans Parish Prison.

Aside from Sister Washington’s school and church affiliations, she was initiated into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority (Dillard University, Alpha Beta Chapter) and Silver Seal Household of Ruth 6858.

Sister Washington married Joseph Warrick and they maintained a caring friendship and a professional music working relationship until her death. She later married Spencer Washington Sr. and was a loving and committed wife until his death. Sis. Washington never birthed any children, yet she loved all children as her own, especially her nieces, nephews, adopted son and godchildren.

Whenever Sister Washington touched the keys of a piano, the listener was always able to discern and attest that her style was indicative of one whom is in tone with the Master. Her techniques of directing were administered through the guidance of the Holy Ghost and her voice has and will electrify the heavens. As a speaker, she glorified and edified the name of the Lord, as a teacher she taught God’s word and as a leader she was led by the Spirit. Recently, she was hailed as a New Orleans Gospel Legend of excellence and superb artistry in music Ministry.

Sister Washington had a way of telling you what she expected and no questions were allowed. She required your best and let the Lord take care of the rest. She loved her Lobsters, Canes, Chinese Food, Pig Lips and Feet which she considered a treat. She enjoyed her Judge Shows, Jeopardy, The Wheel of Fortune and the Saints even when the Saints were the “Aint’s”. She left us to mourn, but she expects us to carry on.

She leaves to mourn her death a devoted niece, Dedra (Jim) Bright, a loving great-nephew and niece, Jarmahn and Megan Bright, an adopted son, Bishop Lionel (Tamera) Catchings of Atlanta, GA, a dedicated friend, Antoinette Rowan, and one step daughter, Anabel Washington Watson, Sister-in-law, Mary Ann Royal Wright. In addition, she has five caring nieces, Gail and Patricia Wright (St. Louis, MO) Linda Morton, Sharon Wright and Gelanda (Jerome) Riddick; six nephews, Thomas Wright Jr., Isaiah Wright Jr. (Los Angeles, California), Ronald Wright, Juan Shelmire, Sedric Wright (Dallas, Texas) and Shaun Wright; loyal cousins, Betty Longmyle, Carol Day, Lois Menedez and Dorothy Williams; faithful friends, Betty (Frank) Dejoie, Martha Patterson, James Green, Vera Fulton, Zenobia Coleman, Vera McFadden, Elaine Sears, Carmen Landrum Gordon, Dr. Clarence Williams, Jr. (Trina) of Atlanta, GA, Elaine Blackmon, Charles Irons and Linda Triplett; godchildren, other relatives and friends to cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, James B. Sr., Isaiah Sr., and Thomas Sr. Wright, as well as three sisters Helen Wright Smith, Georgia Wright Shelmire and Elver Wright Brumfield.

“Do all the good you can, say all the good you can.

Think well of everybody, Remember it is not what the other person thinks of you, but it makes a whole lot of difference what you think of the other person.”

Eulogistic Musical Friday, November 21, 2014 * 7:00 p.m.

Presiding………………………………………………………………………………………….Rev. Irvin Scales Pastor, Zion Travelers 1st Baptist Church Scripture Reading and Prayer……….……………….....…………..………Rev. Donald Jeanjacques Pastor, True Vine Missionary B.C. Prayer Chant …………………………………...………………………………Let the Words of My Mouth Mistress of Ceremony………………………………………………………..………Sis. Bernadine Gibson New Hope B.C.

In the Beginning Reflections………………………………..………………….…………….………Dr. Clarence Williams, Jr. Greater Travelers Rest B.C., Atlanta, GA Selections ………………………………..….………Geraldine Wright Washington Combined Choir Solo………………………………..…………………..……………...…………………..Sis. Clementine Emery Loving Four B.C.

In the Intermediate Expressions……………………..………………………………..……………..…………….Bro. James Green Little Zion B. C. Selections………………..………..……….…….....Geraldine Wright Washington Combined Choir Solo ……………………………..……………………………..…………………………………Sis. Gwenette Pye Fellowship Missionary B. C.

The Deliverance Confirmation………………………..………………………………….………..……Bro. Raymond Wallace Journey Church, Central Louisiana Selections………………………..…………….…….Geraldine Wright Washington Combined Choir Closing Remarks

Observance of Life Saturday, November 22, 2014 * 10:00 a.m.

Prelude……………………………………………………..……………………..…………….………………………Peace Be Still Processional……………………………………………..…..…………………….………………………..Minister and Family Presiding………………………………………………..……..……………………………...…………..........Rev. Louis Jones Host Pastor, President LA Freedmen General Association Old Testament………… FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: Psalm 27..……….……………..………Rev. Keith Stewman Pastor, Evening Star B. C.

New Testament………………………………..…………..John 14: 1-6……...………….…………Rev. Terry Robinson Pastor, New Inspirational B. C. Prayer of Comfort………………………………………….….……………………..….…….…………..Rev. Andrew Darby Pastor, St. Bernard Community B. C. Prayer Chant…………………………………………………….…….……….…………..........Beautiful Garden of Prayer Hymn……………………………………………. FAVORITE SONG……….…………Guide Me, O Thy Great Jehova Rev. Jermaine Landrum, Pastor Ebenezer B. C. Selection…………………..…………………………………………..Geraldine Wright Washington Combined Choir “Behold Your God” Words of Comfort……………………….………….………………….…………………………Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. Sr. Pastor, Changing A Generation FGBC, ATL; Presiding Bishop/Founder, FGBC Fellowship Int’l Selection……………………………….....................................Geraldine Wright Washington Combined Choir “Walk on by Faith”

A Tribute to Nanny Condolences: Pilgrim Baptist Church (Kenner) * Little Zion Baptist Church * GMWA Freedman Chorus * Pilgrim Progress Mass Choir * Providence Choir * Ebenezer Choir Selection……………………………………………………………….Geraldine Wright Washington Combined Choir “They Got the Word” Obituary/Acknowledgements………………………………………….……………………………Sis. Martha Patterson Little Zion B.C. Solo……….……………………………………………………………………………….......................Sis. Catherine Wright Fellowship M.B.C. The Spoken Word..…………………………………………………………………………...........Rev. Mitchell J. Stevens Pastor, Pilgrim B.C., Mt. Zion B.C. Recognition of Visiting Ministers………..…………………………………………………………….(2 minutes please) The Parting View

Recessional………………………………………………………………….…………………………Bishop Lionel Catchings Sr. Pastor, Christ Temple FGBC, Fayetteville, GA God Be With You

A Song for Aunt Gerrie Over There Jarmahn Jahfe’ Bright Copyright 2014

Gerrie’s Place Gerrie said my place was ready In heaven far above; And that she'd have to leave us behind, All those she dearly love.

But as she slept away, A tear fell from our eye; For all her life, we'd always thought She didn't want to die.

She had so much to live for, So much yet to do; It seemed almost impossible, That she was leaving us too.

We thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad; We thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had.

If we could relive yesterday Just even for a while, We'd say goodbye and kiss her And maybe see her smile.

But when we fully realized That this was the end; For emptiness and memories Would take the place of Gerrie as she had to transcend.

Dedra & Jim

There is a place I long to be a place where I will be set free and one of these days with him I'll be in my home over there There is no more pain and sorrows there I'll be resting no more cares to bear I'll lay down my cross, just to get my crown In my home over there In my home over there I will lay down every care I want to see Jesus Over there I have some friends and some family there They are resting free from every care But in spite of them all, I want to see The man named Jesus who died for me In my home over there I will lay down every care I want to see Jesus I've got to see Jesus Oh I want to know Jesus Just to behold Jesus Over there Will you be ready?

The Heart of A Son We were divinely connected.

You were a childless mother and I was a motherless child.

God connected us and we filled a void in each other's life.

I have always been proud to be your son and was honored that you acknowledged to the world that I am your son. God be with you till we meet again.

Your Son, Bishop Lionel (Reynard) Catchings

Until That Day Until that day I'll always think of you, the love we shared, the memories too.

Until that day I'll think of you, I'll try so hard in all we do.

Until that day I can’t understand why, you had to leave with no "goodbye".

Until that day this is so, I’ll miss you, more than you'll know.

Until that day You'll be with Him, your God, your Savior, and new best friend.

Until that day I’ll see you there, you're in our hearts, you're everywhere!

I will miss you Auntie Gerrie

Megan

Active Pallbearers Bro. Walter Tardy Bro. Richard Moss Bro. Walter Hardy III

Bro. Cordell Chambliss Bro. Ezekiel Franklin Bro. Justin Thomas

Honorary Pallbearers Bro. Jarmahn Bright Bro. Juan Shelmire Bro. Sedric Wright Bro. Ronald Wright

Bro. Jim Bright Bishop Lionel Catchings Bro. Shawn Wright Bro. Isaiah Wright Jr.

Pastors, Musicians, Godchildren, Family, Friends and Well Wishers

Acknowledgements Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent a beautiful flower, if so I saw it there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words that a friend could say. Perhaps you are not here at all, just thought of us

today. Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much, whatever your part. The Wright family wishes to express thanks for all acts of kindness during our time of bereavement. Continue to lift us up in prayer.

The Wright – Washington Family

Repast

Arrangements

Entombment

St. John Institutional Baptist Church 2528 Jackson Avenue New Orleans, LA 70113

Estelle J. Wilson Funeral Home 2715 Danneel St. New Orleans, LA 70113

Providence Memorial Park 8200 Airline Drive.

Metairie, LA 70003

“May the LORD watch between you and me, when we are absent one from the other, in Jesus name.”

Genesis 31:49 Amen

Program Scribe: Dedra Bright, Program Coordinator Dr. Clarence Williams Design by “Our Celebrations of Life” (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com