Bertha Washington

October 8, 1928 - August 27, 2018

It is with great sadness that the family of Bertha Washington announces her passing on August 27, 2018, after succumbing to the effects of Alzheimer’s Dementia and stroke. Born October 8, 1928 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, she graduated from New Brunswick High School in 1947, was the first African American and first female Personnel Executive for the National Office of Boy Scouts of America, Deaconess in the Baptist Church for over 60 years, and active in community service. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 71 years, Thomas Hines Washington, Sr., “The best husband I’ve ever had”, her children Thomas Hines Washington, Jr. (spouse Barbara Sweet Washington & daughter Sydney Sweet Washington) of Azusa, Ca., Cheryl Ann Washington (spouse Hon. Jerald S. Carter & daughter Amber L. Carter) of West Orange, N.J., and Alan Craig Washington (wife Linda M. Washington) of Austin, Texas, along with many loving relatives and friends. Bertha Washington was preceded in death by her parents: Samuel and Pampie Adams, siblings: Sarah, Samuel, Jr., George, and Eugene Adams. Bertha’s Words of wisdom: “Be determined to make something of yourself and take a balanced approach to matters. You’ve got to be involved; life is just too precious to be thrown by the wayside.” To the end, she was the sweet, honest, trusting, strong “no nonsense” woman, whose profound love of family, friends, her God and her church, will shine as an example to all who were blessed to know her. We will miss our beloved Bertha Adams Washington, whose grace, dignity, faith, eloquence, fortitude, and virtue has forever transformed our family. The Washington family has requested donations be made in her honor to The Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, September 8th at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1010 East 10th Street in Austin, TX. Flowers can be delivered Friday to King-Tears Mortuary at 1300 E 12th Street in Austin, TX. Her final service and burial will be September 15th in Ocala, FL.