Janie Williams Washington

Janie Williams Washington departed this earthly life on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at her residence on 26 East Newberry Street, Sumter, South Carolina. She was born on December 27, 1925 in Sumter, South Carolina, the daughter of the late James and Corine Felder Williams. Janie received her early education at Stone Hill Elementary School, and graduated in 1941 from Lincoln High School in Sumter, SC. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC in 1946; and her Master’s degree from Hampton Institute, Hampton, Virginia. Mrs. Washington began her teaching career at Orangeburg County Training School, Orangeburg, SC and later moved to Sumter County. She taught at Mayesville Institute, Maysville, SC; Ebenezer High School and Hillcrest High School, Dalzell, SC. She served Sumter School District #2 for 40 years. During her tenure, she was active in the following organizations: Sumter County South Carolina State University Alumni Association, SC Home Economics Association, American Vocational Association, Future Homemakers of America, National and South Carolina Education Association, Sumter County Mental Health, and Classroom Teachers Association of Sumter County. Mrs. Washington was indeed the embodiment of the motto “Lifting as We Climb.” During her early years, Janie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and became a devoted and lifelong member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church where she served on the Administrative Board, Council One Ministries, Trustee Board, Finance Committee, Pastor Parish Relations United Methodist Women, and as the Sunday School Teacher for the three and four years old. She was a member of the , Ecumenical Committee, Sumter Unit of Church Women United, Stewardship Committee and advisor to the Soup Kitchen. As an organizer and 50 plus year member of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Pi Chi Sorority, Incorporated, Sumter, SC. Mrs. Washington served as President for 23 years. Her contributions to the sorority are too numerous to list. It can be said that she is TRUE Alpha Pi Chi. Mrs. Washington was a leader and woman of distinction in her community where she served in various political campaigns. She was affiliated with One More Effort Federated Club, Juliette Federated Club for Girls, and was a supporter and activist for the elderly, homeless, and at-risk children. She was a retired certified poll worker, and life member of the NAACP, Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), treasurer of the Sumter Martin Luther King’s Celebration Committee for 15 years. Her distinctions were varied and too numerous to identify them all, but just to name a few: The Golden Rule Award from the White House, President Bill Clinton, during the Clinton’s administration; Grand Marshal of the 2012 Festival on the Avenue Parade, Faith and Service Award, Emmanuel United Methodist Church; The Gold Rule Award, JC Penney; Ebenezer Class of 1960 Outstanding Teacher Award; Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award; Textile Award in Consumer Education; and Community Leadership Award from The Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina. Janie was preceded in death by her parents, James and Corine Felder Williams; and son, Lundees James Washington. Mother Washington leaves to cherish precious memories; her loving and devoted daughter in-law, Lynette Dillon Washington and her only grandson, Jason Lundees (Fareeda) Washington all of Columbia, SC; five great-grandchildren, Jayla, Jaquaris, Paris, Sydney, and Khloe, Columbia, SC; and her loving and devoted adopted daughter, Ethel Grant Jones of Ruston, LA; two loving cousins, Janie Jefferies of Orangeburg, SC and Hoppie Carney of Richmond, VA. She also leaves a loving and devoted caregiver, Marjorie Stevenson of Timmonsville, SC, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Janie Williams Washington

December 27, 1925 - July 8, 2018