Wellesley Washington Jr.

Wellesley S. Washington, Jr. (Walsh/Bubba) made his entrance into the world on August 9, 1946, in Washington, D.C. Wellesley, Sr. and Earline were proud parents as they welcomed their first son. His three elder sisters spoiled him and enjoyed every minute of it.

Throughout his upbringing, Wash attended Emmanuel Baptist Church where he was baptized and gave his life to the Lord. Was believed in being good to others. He was always giving and welcoming, no matter the situation. He endeavored to be a good person and a role model. He later joined Central Baptist Church where he was an active member, including participating weekly with the Food Share Ministry. Wash also enjoyed working with the youth ministry with their Summer in the Park activities.

Wash matriculated through the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and graduated from McKinley Technological High School in 1965. Later that year, he proudly attended Central State University (CSU) in Wilberforce, Ohio. He also worked at the Pentagon in the printing office during the summers. In 1969, Was graduated from CSU, and pledged to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He valued having knowledge, obtaining skills, and learning new information and never hesitated to fix, build, and work with his hands to complete a job. Furthermore, he was able to obtain his degree in Master of Arts in Education from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Wash began his teaching career in DCPS at Hamilton Junior High School where he met the love of his life, Jannie Broughton. He later taught at Kramer Middle School. He enjoyed teaching Industrial Arts and Photography for 33 years and was proud to positively influence youth. He coached girls’ and boys’ basketball and girls’ volleyball for many years.

In his retirement from DCPS, he worked at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, as a manager at the Sports and Learning Complex on the Parking Team for 17 years. He also worked at FedEx Stadium during football season for over 15 years. Throughout his lifetime, Wash was blessed as a master craftsman. In his free time, he helped remodel homes, rebuild decks, fix almost anything in a home or car, and design special occasion invitations for events such as graduations and weddings. He was a jack of all trades and thoroughly loved working with his hands. Throughout his career, he taught students how to operate a full-size printing press and how to develop photographs in a darkroom with the proper solutions and timing.

Wash was a faithful husband to Jannie B. Washington and an awesome father to his children. He was previously married to DaGarma Washington, and that marriage produced a son, Aaron. He had one daughter, Nichole, with Jannie. His greatest joys were his grandchildren and grand godchildren. They enjoyed summers together, family trips, school pick-ups, reviewing math facts, and cooking. He also loved hosting family gatherings for special occasions, especially Christmas Day. Wash relished his annual hunting trips to Appomattox County, Virginia with his uncle, brothers, and nephews. He was truly a family man.

Wash was preceded in death by his parents, Wellesley Sr. and Earline. Two sisters Marjorie and Melitha and sister-in-law, Harriett. Was will be missed greatly by his family and everyone who knew him.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Jannie; don, Aaron (Mikel); daughter, Nichole (Deon); sister, Carolyn (Raymond); two brothers, Paul, Sr. (Andrea) and James, Sr.; four grandsons, two granddaughters, one great-grandson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins, other loving relatives, and friends.