Carrie Washington

Carrie Mae Washington was born August 17, 1936, to Alma Vestabell and General Butler in Memphis Tennessee. She was raised by her grandparents Mr. Hill and Carrie Hill who preceded her in death. She was the second born of 9 children. Her husband, the late Pastor Willie Lee Washington Sr., brothers James Weddington, Eugene Weddington, Willie Jr. Weddington, Walter Weddington, and sister Jacqueline Weddington also preceded her in death.

Carrie made her transition peacefully on Resurrection Sunday, Apr 17, 2022, at 10:18 a.m. amongst her children and grandchildren.

Carrie accepted Christ under the AME Church and was later baptized at Shining Star Missionary Baptist Church. Carrie graduated salutatorian from Carnes Elementary School and valedictorian at Booker T. Washington High School where she won a prestigious award for best essay in the entire state of Tennessee. Carrie furthered her education at Lemoyen-Owen College majoring in Pre Med with a minor in English.

Carrie moved to Chicago Illinois in 1956 and a year later met the love of her life Willie Lee Washington Sr. They were joined in holy matrimony on October 15, 1958, and to this union, 6 beautiful children were born LaVennit Darcel, Willie Lee Jr., Starletta Lavern, Michael Terrell, Faira McNece, and Hope Trenace. Carrie had the unique idea of naming 3 of her girls after each of her favorite porcelain dolls, then her youngest daughter was often jokingly referred to as “Hope no more”.

Carrie worked as a Collection Manager and Secretary for a short period of time before her husband Rev. Washington asked her to stay home and raise their children. Carrie realized this was the Lord’s calling for the next steps in her life. She believed family was extremely important, so she often fellowshipped over delicious meals she prepared. Carrie was most famous for her dressing, sweet potato pie and lemon meringue pie.

Carrie’s famous recipe for sweet potato pie was passed down to her daughters and very few family members, but the dressing and lemon meringue pie recipes have yet to be duplicated. Carrie took pride in making her house a home as she continued to beautify it and garnish it with her famous brass antiques. Carrie found a new love in travel after taking her first cruise to the Bahamas with her family. She continued to travel to St. Thomas, Cozumel, and The Cayman Islands building memories that would last a lifetime.

Carrie enjoyed singing in the choir at Shining Star M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Pastor James Irving where she and her family were faithful members. She also sang with her siblings’ group known as “The Weddington Singers.” Carrie was also an active member of the (BTU) Baptist Training Union. God led Carrie and her family to continue their Christian journey at Carver M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor James A. Taylor where Carrie’s husband was ordained in 1971. It was also here that Carrie was appointed Superintendent of Sunday School because she felt it was the pillar for learning about the Bible. In 1976,

Carrie's husband was led by God to organize his own ministry called Ruth Memorial M.B. Church where Carrie served as the first lady for 15 years. In 1991, along with their children by their side, Carrie followed her husband as he continued his ministry as pastor of Mt. Ebal M.B. Church until his health began to fail. Carrie took pride in serving as a first lady, not only was she God-fearing, Carrie was also sophisticated with stylish hats and custom suits to prove it. In fact, Carrie made a few of her own signature dresses. In 2004, she joined Tabernacle of Faith M.B. Baptist under her son, Rev. Michael T. Washington where she served as the Mother of the church and the president of the Pastor’s aid until God called her home.