Obituary of Mallie Washington

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Mrs. Mallie Lee Washington Home Going Service 

Mrs. Mallie Lee Washington, widow of Rollin R. Washington, died peacefully at home on Monday, May 20, 2024, after a protracted battle with asthma and heart failure.  Mallie (Aunt Mallie as she was affectionately known) was the oldest daughter of nine children, born on June 15, 1929, in Central, South Carolina to Reverend Odis DeWitt and Ollie I. Benson.  She was a devoted wife, mother, godmother, co-worker, and friend.

She gave her life to Christ early and was baptized at age eight in Central, South Carolina's Madden Creek under the pastorate of her father.  She was educated in the Pendleton, South Carolina school system.  A precocious Mallie finished high school at age fifteen.

She dreamed of a nursing career, and after high school headed to Philadelphia to live with relatives where she worked three jobs and saved money to attend nursing school.  Under her mentor Sarah Philyaw's advice, she attended the then-segregated Saint Philip School of Nursing (now a part of Virginia Commonwealth University) in Richmond, Virginia, graduating magna cum laude in 1950.  She received her registered nursing credentials from the State of Virginia and The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1951 and 1952, respectively.  Her life's work as a nurse was one of her proudest accomplishments.  She worked at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey for several decades and was its first Black head nurse.  Oh the stories she used to tell.  Later she also worked in a nursing home and as a certified hospice nurse.

An errant tax return necessitated a visit to the I.R.S., where she met the love of her life, Rollin R. Washington.  They wed in Philadelphia in 1959.  From this union two daughters were born: Mona and Melanie.  The family settled in Cinnaminson, New Jersey where she lived the remainder of her life.

Her generosity and kindness will remain legendary: Mallie believed Love was a verb.  Aunt Mallie was a friend to everyone, especially her East Riverton neighbors.  Need cakes for a repast? Call Mallie to organize the desserts for the bereaved family.  Want to talk about the Bible and God's grace? Grab a cup of coffee with Mallie-you might not get a word in.  Need some support? Some empathy? Aunt Mallie will  try to help you and understand.  Need your loved one's blood pressure taken and their body washed? Call Mallie.  Call Mallie...and listen.  Listen to her as she raises money for a local needy family at the last minute (unbeknownst to them).  Listen to her gently correct neighborhood children and set them on a better path.  Listen as she shares her respect for education and encourages people of all ages to further theirs.  Listen and look as she devotes her life to God, to Love, and to Spiritual Change.

Her dedication to Saint Paul Baptist Church is now legendary.  Mallie was an avid Bible student.  Among her many religious affiliations and contribution were her lengthy tenures at Saint Paul as a Sunday School teacher and Sunday School superintendent.  The Burlington County Church School and Baptist Training Union (Bethany) enjoyed her enthusiasm and delegate representation.  She was the President of St. Paul's Missionary Ministry for several years prior to her declining health.  Unable to fully engage in her normal activities, in her typical faith-filled perspective, she created Saint's Paul Outreach: cards and letters of faith for the defeated, sick, and shut-in.  She was active in the Civic Club of East Riverton, Riverton, and Palmyra.

She leaves to grieve, her daughters Mona R. Washington and Melanie E. Washington, her sisters, Edna Mae Blackmun and Maria Ewing, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends too numerous to list.

Mallie L. Washington's life was a Blessing, and her Spirit a Prayer.  We are all better for having known her.  Rest in Power. Rest in Peace. Rest.