Jean Gayles Washington

May 29, 1934 - August 20, 2021

Jean Gayles Washington was born on May 29, 1934 in Gloucester, Virginia. She was the third of five children born to the late Moses A. Gayles Sr. and Ida May Harrison. She is preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband Willie J. Washington of 51 years; brothers, Moses Gayles Jr., George Gayles Sr., Bernard Gayles and sister, Elouise Edmonds. God spoke to Jean and said “Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant your work here on earth is done.” She was granted her angel wings on August 20, 2021. At an early age Jean gave her life over to Christ at Berea Baptist Church in Gloucester, Virginia. Jean and her dad were members of Berea Baptist Church senior choir for many years. She later joined First United Baptist Church in Gloucester, Virginia until she relocated to Richmond Virginia. In Richmond, Mosby Memorial became her new church home. She was a dedicated prayer warrior and enjoyed teaching in the youth department with Sunday school and church’s childcare. She always loved to sing gospel hymns. A few of her favorites were “Jesus Loves Me”, “We Come This Far by Faith” and “This Little Light of Mine.” Jean attended Gloucester Training School which was later named Thomas C. Walker High School and Barbering School in Newport News, Virginia. She was affectionately known as “Gabby Haynes”, she was a wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed hosting family events, interior decorating, making delicious rolls and playing cards. She leaves cherished memories to her three children: Sharron Howard (Wayne) of Maryland, Marc Washington (Claudia) of New York, and Stephanie Howard (John) of Richmond, VA; eight grandchildren, Shawn Whitaker, Jeania Derricott, Jasmine Traynham, Kiara Washington, Jordan Washington, Marcquee Washington, Marcuz Washington and Marcees Washington; twelve great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; three sistersin-law, Blanche Gayles, Ann Gayles, and Patricia Rose (Louis); one brother-in-law, Malvin Washington (Paula); two nieces, Lanette Mays and Evelyn ”Shay” Bennett; four nephews, Renard Hart, Moses Gayles lll, Timothy Gayles and George Gayles Jr.; two devoted friends, Marjorie Harris (deceased) and Gladys Luellen; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends