Gracie Ann Washington

Gracie Ann (Lee) Washington was born in Essex County, in Tappahannock, VA on September 17, 1917 to Missouri Lee Brown. Two sisters and three brothers that we know of have preceded her in death: Virginia Brown (Albert Diggs), Dorothy Bennett (Robert Bennett), John Brown (Ethel Brown), Clarence Brown, and Joseph Bingham (Shirley Bingham).

Gracie’s family worked as sharecroppers. She attended school in Tappahannock and was an excellent honor student, even studying psychology in 5th grade. However, she was unable to complete school and had to babysit for other relatives who had children in order for them to work. The family was relatively poor, but rich in love, unity and strength to endure the times. She often reminisced of times she slept on bales of hay for bedding and working on farms and in houses.

On February 11, 1938, she married Temple E. Washington, Sr.

From that union was born five boys and one girl:

Temple Junior Washington (Clara), Curtis Edward Washington (Phyllis), Theodore Washington (Shirley), Gene Thomas Washington (Bonnie), Clarence Albert Washington (Bertha), and Pauline Washington-Diggs (Ronald). After marriage and moving away from Tappahannock, Temple and Gracie lived with his mother, Ivy Washington. The government secured that land for part of the location for the Fort A.P. Hill Military Base.

Later, they moved on the other side of Fort A.P. Hill, and then had to move again to Rappahannock Academy where they purchased about 5 acres of land for $400.

Her legacy is left in the hands of her 4 surviving children, 24 grandchildren, over 26 great grandchildren, a dear friend Gladys Fortune, and many relatives and acquaintances.

She left this life for the blessed dwelling of a heavenly home on Sunday afternoon, November 7, 2021 at her home in Rappahannock Academy, Virginia. Her legacy is left in the hands of her 4 surviving children, 24 grandchildren, over 26 great grandchildren, a dear friend, Gladys Fortune, and many cousins/relatives and acquaintances.