Beatrice Louise Washington

Born in New York City on May 5, 1928 to the late Ruth Washington, and Charles Nichols, BEATRICE was the wife of the late Johnny Washington and the mother of two daughters, Maisha Washington, an educator and Kimya Washington, M.D.; three granddaughters, Nia who studied Public Health, Tulani M.D. and Pollyanna who studied Computer Science. Beatrice, as a young child, lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where she made two lifelong friends Rachel and Mary. They built doll houses and created Black paper dolls because the stores didn't sell any. To celebrate Black history month June 9, 1937 the Black youth of Gettysburg presented a play "Ethiopia at the Bar of Justice". Beatrice played Justice and never lost her dedication to the cause of justice. In 1937 Beatrice moved to Baltimore City with her mother and her new Stepfather Bill Mosley. When Franklin D. Roosevelt died and the train rode through Baltimore displaying the body, Beatrice snuck out the house to view history. While living in Ba;ltimore Beatrice made five lasting friendships, June Shaw, Gloria Ford, Maisie Ross and Brenda and Vashti Lewis. Beatrice graduated from Fredrick Douglass High School Salutatorian and moved back to New York City. While living in New York City, Beatrice worked as a secretary at the Navy Yard and Arwood Corporation. In 1976, Beatrice moved to Washington, D.C. and worked for Kennedy Center as Assistant Personnel Manager and later at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Beatrice actively participated in several organizations: National Council of Negro Women, Professed Dominican Third Order chapter leader and Promoter for Central Association of Miraculous Medal, Benefactor for Basilica Immaculate Conceptions and AARP. ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS As NCNW member raised most money to create the Mary McCloud Bethune statue installed in Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill. Raised funds for renovation of Ford Theater in D.C., name in theater lobby. Donor listed in Martin Luther King Memorial gift shop and in the Civil War Museum in Gettysburg, National Council of Negro Women Annual Award and National Air Space Museum Annual Award. Bernice was a dedicated crusader helping to create memories for African Americans celebrating their struggle and legacy. She was dearly loved and will be missed by all of her family.

Tributes

Beatrice Louise Washington

May 6, 1928 - December 7, 2016