Mother Barbara Jean Washington

OBITUARY FIRST LADY BARBARA JEAN WASHINGTON Mother Barbara Jean Cotton Washington was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 6, 1942. Her parents were Deacon Augustus C. Cotton and Mother Opal B. Cotton. She was the eldest of eight children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother: Brother Jimmy Cotton; her sisters: Evangelist Charlotte McIntyre, Mother Joyce Muse, Missionary Sandra Cotton, Sister Carolyn Hill, and Sister Wanda Cotton. She grew up in the church and was saved in 1960 at Fourth Street Church of God in Christ (now Emmanuel Tabernacle) under the pastorate of the late Bishop William B. Williams. Mother Washington is from a rich Church of God in Christ heritage that includes Mother Lizzie Roberson, the first National Mother of the Church of God in Christ; and the late Overseer A. W. Wilson her grandfather, who was an early pioneer and former Overseer of the Church of God in Christ in Minnesota, and founder of what is now Emmanuel Tabernacle. She graduated with honors from South High School in Minneapolis in 1960. She was a member of the National Honors Society. She later received a Vocational Education Teacher's license from the State of Minnesota, and taught parenting and other community-based educational classes for several years. She retired from Transition Plus School after 30 years of employment with the Minneapolis Special School District #1. Mother Washington and Bishop Washington became acquainted through mail while Bishop was stationed in Vietnam in 1966. They met for the first time in 1967 at the International Sunday School Convention in Shreveport, Louisiana, and became engaged a brief time thereafter. She and Bishop Washington married on April 20, 1968. They enjoyed 51 years and 6 months of a blissful marriage. Mother Washington was a devout and devoted woman of God. She served the church in several capacities, to include: State President of Ministers' Wives Circle of Minnesota; District President of the Mothers' Board; District President of Ministers' Wives. In the Local Church she served as Church Mother for 41 years; other positions include Local President of Missions; Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Trustee Board Secretary, and many others. In fact, in the infancy of the New Covenant Church, she served, at one time or another, in almost every capacity of the church at the departmental level. She received many plaques, trophies, and certificates in recognition of her outstanding Christian service, including “Woman of the Year of Minnesota.” She was also included in a book recognizing African Americans in the Twin Cities, located in the Minneapolis library. She served as First Lady of New Covenant Church of God in Christ for 47 years, First Lady of the Minnesota Jurisdiction, Church of God in Christ, for 13 years, and served as First Lady of Power House Church in Monroe, Louisiana for 8 years. She and Bishop Washington made a lasting positive impact on the church and community there, and were recognized by the Mayor. Mother Washington exemplified great Christian virtues, and she worked closely with her husband in the ministry, and played an integral role in the growth and development of the church. She was a terrific mother to her children and a loving and caring wife to her husband. Mother Barbara Jean Cotton Washington transitioned on October 14, 2019. She leaves to cherish her memories: Her loving husband, Bishop Fred Willis Washington; Her Children: Debra Kaye Montgomery (Julian), Bruce Alan Washington (Lisa), Kevin Charles Washington (Paula), Monica Renee Washington, and Damon Fredrick Washington (Angie); Sister: Paula Lee; Sisters-in-Law: Evangelist Jerrie Loche (Supt Nathaniel), and Missionary Janet Long (Elder Ernest); Brother-in Law: Douglas Charles Washington (Alberta); fifteen grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mother Washington personified Proverbs 31. Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. “A MOTHER IN ZION” STRENGTH AND HONOR ARE HER CLOTHING

Mother Barbara Jean Washington

December 6, 1942 - October 14, 2019