Ethel I. Washington

Ethel Idella King Washington, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, sorority sister, church member and friend, passed away at her home on her 91st birthday.

Ethel was born on December 16th, 1933 on her grandfather’s farm near Adel, Georgia, the only child of her mother Anna Belle Hall King. She was raised by her grandmother, Annie Hall along with her twin cousins, Martha Jones and Mary Black. She enjoyed playing basketball, singing and playing the piano. She taught herself to knit using straws. She would later use her knitting skills to make many beautiful prayer shawls, sweaters and coats.

Ethel continued her education at Tuskegee Institute, the Los Angeles Conservatory School of Music and Seton Hall University. She finished her education at Centenary College with a degree in elementary education, graduating Phi Theta Kappa. She sang with the 250 member masterwork choir performing the Messiah yearly at the Metropolitan Opera and took courses under Madame Franki.

Ethel taught for many years in New Jersey. It was in New York where her beloved son Gilbert King was born. She excelled in music and was the organist in Newark, New Jersey for St. Luke A.M.E. Church and soloist with Second Presbyterian Church.

While an organist, Ethel met and married the love of her life, Melvin Washington. As both shared a love of education, they successfully ran the Progressive Day Care and School. They resided in Califon, Newark and Smithville, New Jersey.

While living in Smithville, she became a faithful member of Absecon Presbyterian Church where she was active in several ministries including singing in the choir. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, helping to establish the Jersey City, NJ chapter. She was also a member of many other civic organizations.

Ethel was kind, loving, faithful and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was loved by everyone she encountered. She is survived by her husband, Melvin; son, Gilbert; grandson, Djuan; many devoted nieces and nephews and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in her name to the Absecon Presbyterian church where she will be laid to rest on December 28th after a funeral service at 12 noon. Visitation will be at the church from 11AM to 12PM.