Barbara Ann Washington, affectionately known as “Sally Boo”, was born July 11, 1966 in Orangeburg County, Springfield, S.C. On January 4, 2022, Barbara Ann gained her wings, departing this earthly realm and entered eternal rest.
Barbara received her early education in Norway, S.C. attending Hunter Kinard High School. In 1982, Barbara began a new life in Washington D.C. where she graduated Paul L. Dunbar Senior High School in 1985. She attended Bennett Career Cosmetology Institute in Washington, D.C. Although Barbara received no formal education in culinary arts, she was a masterful soul food chef, preparing dishes that received rave reviews from all who tasted them. Barbara often received the best compliment a cook could receive, “She put her foot in this one!”. Cooking was Barbara’s way of expressing the love she had inside her.
Barbara held positions at the Smithsonian National Art Gallery, the General Services Administration and many other jobs in child care, security and food service.
Barbara was a servant leader, bestowing her gift of service to all in need. A devoted mother who loved her sons more than anything in the world, she was especially devoted to serving the needs of the sick, shut-in and children. She would give her all, always putting the needs of those she loved and cared for first. No needy person was a stranger to Barbara - often giving her last to the homeless and least fortunate. Barbara joined social media, each day she would grace her family and friends with an inspirational message along with her selfie.
As family and friends celebrate Barbara’s life and grieve her loss, all are reminded of her lighthearted nature and free spirit. Barbara was a Believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and frequently referred to her personal relationship with God. She frequently expressed that she lived her life on her terms and when her time came to meet her Master, she was ready. Barbara often talked about wearing her crown and she encouraged others to live their lives to the fullest too.
Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy Ferguson; grand mother Lula Washington; grandfather; Freddie Ferguson and brother Derrick L. James.
Barbara leaves to celebrate her life and grieve her loss, three sons, Tre DeVonte Washington, Trevor Delonta Washington and Trevon DeMonte Washington (Washington Metropolitan Area); father, Harry James Jr, (Orangeburg County, S.C.); two sisters, Victoria Washington (Washington, D.C) and Linda Evans (Norway, S.C.); three brothers, Ronnie James and James E. Tyler (Norway, S.C.) and Wilbur Ferguson (Columbia, S.C.); aunt, Priscilla Washington (Springfield, S.C.); five uncles, Frederick Washington (Shirley) (Virginia Beach, VA); Jeff (Kaye) Washington, Nester (Sybil) Washington, Tony Washington and Stevie Washington (Renee) (Springfield, SC); two sister/cousins, Mary Washington (Mt. Rainer, MD) and Brenda Washington (N.Y.); close cousins, David Shaun and Patrick Ferguson; God Mother, Melbea “Mama” Faison Davis (Upper Marlboro, MD), nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.Family and friends celebrate the joyful, compassionate and big-hearted life Barbara lived.
May those memories comfort us during this time of grief.