Barbara Jean (Lee) Washington

A Time to be Born: Barbara Jean (Lee) Washington was born June 14, 1953, to the late Burnell Lee and Retha Lee Montgomery in Kildare, GA. “I was born in my Mama’s bed, and grandmama Lillie Mae said, ‘I am special, I have favor, I am the One.’ ” A Time to Learn: Barbara began her education at Springfield Central Highschool in Springfield, GA. She was an avid enthusiast of sports, playing softball for her father, as a freshman at Springfield High, “I was so good, Coach Dingle put me on the Varsity Team.” In addition, she ran track: specializing in the 440 relay and jumping hurdles. She was a majorette in the school band, a member of the 4H club, a future homemaker of America, and sang in the school choir. She continued her education in Utica, NY, starting at Utica Free Academy yet ultimately graduating from T. R. Proctor Highschool with the Class of 1971, where she continued her love of sports. “Brought all of my skills from Georgia to show them how it’s done.” A Time to Love: Barbara met Timothy Brown, Sr in 1968, and from this union, Timothy Brown, Jr. was born. “That didn’t work out, so we each moved on.” Barbara later entered into Holy Matrimony with Donald Washington, and their daughter Chequita was born. A Time to Praise: Barbara learned to love the Lord very early in life. She was baptized at 6-years old and joined St. Matthews Baptist Church until 1965. “That’s when my mama came and kidnapped us, and we migrated to Utica, NY to be with other family.” Barbara joined Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in the late ’70s. “I joined the Senior Choir and the Metrolite Gospel Singers, though I said I couldn’t sing too well; they let me sing a song or two.” “I started the Hospitality Committee with just one other to help raise funds for the Church’s kitty. We had one program, raised $128.02... Didn’t profit half of what we spent” Barbara had recently joined Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, which she loved attending. “It took three years before they officially let me into the fold.” A Time to Serve: Barbara, dynamic in nature, has had a very active life: from working at Maye’s Clean Car Connection, where she had a lot of fun. “Left their cleaner than the cars I’ve done!” Her presence was visible, assisting in all Utica City/School and County Board of Elections to helping the Family Nurturing Center, Women’s Business Institute, and after-school programs under the guidance of Dr. Patricia Laino. In addition, Barbara was a faithful volunteer for the American Cancer Society (Bingo) and the Utica Boilermaker. However, her most notable stint was as an employee of the Utica City School District for 36 years. Her passion for working in the UCSD was evident through her volunteerism for various club events, proms, and graduations for her alma mater, Proctor High School. She was a founding member of the self-proclaimed “Geriatric” Cheerleaders proudly supporting the Proctor boy’s basketball team. Barbara put her heart and soul into education, inspiring and encouraging students along the way. She made the whole district her family, not just the students but the entire faculty and staff from the superintendents down to the custodial staff. A Time to Rest: Barbara Lee Washington departed from this earth to be with our heavenly Father on October 26, 2021, in the cool of the evening with her son, Timothy, by her side. Barbara courageously and humbly fought multiple myeloma/leukemia. While in the hospital, she still thought of others, for she had her prayer list of people she prayed for daily. Let us, please, follow her example. A Time to Plant: Barbara leaves to mourn and cherish her memories, children, Timothy Brown Jr. and Chequita Washington, Utica, NY; husband, Donald Washington, Rincon, GA; siblings, Marcella Lee, Utica, NY, Gregory (Rosemary Hymes) Lee, Springfield, GA, Donna (Joe) Turner, Binghamton, NY, and Laverne Lee, Albany, NY, Burnell Lee, Guyton, GA, Che’loe (George) Atkins, Savannah, GA; aunts, Annie Mae Smith, Washington DC, Dorothy Lee, Savannah, GA, Richardeen Hinds, Mt. Pocono, PA, and Effie Hunter, Springfield, GA; ten grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws and a multitude of dear close friends. Preceding Barbara in death are her parents, Mr. Burnell Lee and Mrs. Reatha Mae Lee Montgomery; sister, Margie Fields, and brother, Johnnie Lee. Expressions of Gratitude: The family would like to thank Dr. Din (Slocum Dickson), Dr. Po (Upstate Medical University), Dr. Freundel and Nurse Jolene (MVHS – St. Luke’s campus) who tended to Barbara so caringly and lovingly. You will always be remembered. Calling hours will be on Sunday afternoon, November 7, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00, followed by remarks of remembrance, at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Her Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will be offered on Monday morning, November 8, 2021 at 11:00 at Hope Chapel AME Zion Church, 751 South St., Utica. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Barbara Jean (Lee) Washington

June 14, 1953 - October 26, 2021