Lucinda (McRae) Washington

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

                                 Isiah 43:2

Lady Lucinda McRae Washington, age 77, was born July 18, 1940 in Morven, NC. She was the fifth child born to the late Mr. James and Hattie Lee Gatewood McRae. First Lady Washington departed this earthly life Sunday morning, February 18th just before the dawn of the day in her home, surrounded by her loving family.

First Lady Washington graduated from West Badin High School, Class of 1958. After graduating, Lady Lucinda decided it was time for a change, so she moved to Newark, NJ.

 On October 4, 1958, a day she says she’ll never forget, she married the love of her life, Franklin D. Washington, Sr. This union lasted over 59 years with continued love. From this union were born five (5) loving children: Wallace, Franklin Jr, Kenneth, Lucinda and Sandra all of whom she loved dearly. Her life was always centered on her children; she would always say, “Don’t mess with my children, they are mine”. First Lady Washington remained a stay at home mother with her children until after the birth of her first daughter. She went to work because she wanted to be able to “dress up” her girls and her boys too. If you know anything about First Lady Washington, she had a love for fashion and knew how to put it together to make it look good from head to toe. When her children left the house they were clean, faces shining, hair fixed, clothes clean, neat and pressed. First Lady Washington was an amazing cook! She would sit in the kitchen and glean from her mother and passed this gift along to her daughters and many other young women as well. First Lady Washington was employed by Strivers in Mt. Holly, NJ until 1971. Thereafter, she obtained employment with J. Chein Industries, Burlington, NJ where she dedicated 19 years of service. She also worked part-time driving a school bus for the Edgewater Park School System, for children with special needs. While there she fostered relationships with the young mothers. This gave her an opportunity to minister to them and pray with them. After retiring she spent most of her time babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In January 1972, First Lady Washington joined House of God Inc., (Neutral) in Delran, NJ. This church was birthed by her husband, by the leading of God in their home. She was a dedicated and faithful member doing all that was required as they worked diligently to purchase a church building where they could worship. On Friday April 5, 1973 she got down on her knees and called upon the name of Jesus, committing her life to the Lord. She soon became affectionately known as “First Lady”. Other young first ladies would come seeking guidance on how to be a good Pastors wife. She was a First Lady among first ladies. First Lady Washington served alongside her husband as Youth Advisor, Evangelism Ministry Team Member, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Usher Board, Devotional Leader, and member of the choir. She became a certified teacher with the Evangelical Teaching Association. First Lady Washington steadfastly labored with her husband until he retired from Pastoral ministry in 2004. In December 2005, First Lady Washington and the love her life moved to Locust, NC. Upon making this move, she became a member of New Direction Life Ministries, Norwood NC, under the leadership of Pastors Michael and Anita Owens-Scott. There she served on the Mother’s Board until she was no longer able to attend services. First Lady Washington would always ask, “How was the service? Who preached? and Who was there?” She missed not being in the presence of the saints. First Lady Washington had a love for God’s word. Her two favorite scriptures were Isaiah 43:2 and Lamentations 3. For her prayer was a daily must, her life was sold out to God and the things of God. First Lady Washington experienced the healing power of God. If she could speak to us today she would tell you “God can and God will and if He don’t do it, it’s not because He can’t do it!” She was a woman of great and tremendous faith.

First Lady Washington was preceded in death by her brother, Ray McRae and two sisters, Mary Tyson and Lucille Carpenter.

 She leaves to cherish her loving memory, her husband of 59 years,Bishop Franklin D. Washington, Sr.; three sons: Wallace A. Washington, Franklin (Mary) D. Washington, Jr. both of Sicklerville, NJ, and Kenneth (Lejuana) A. Washington, Charlotte, NC; two daughters: Lucinda M. Washington and Sandra D. Washington, both of Locust, NC; nine grandchildren: Roderick, Danielle, Kevin, Sharmia, Lamar, Desiree, Deon, LeKendra and Denzel; ten great-grandchildren: Kayla, Andrenik, Shamar, Angeliya, Mekhi, Jayden, Nehemiah, Rodslyn, Stori, and Elijah; six brothers: Willie Clyde McRae, Badin, NC, Charles McRae, Albemarle, NC, John (Carol) Lacey, Greensboro, NC, Donald (Bertha) McRae, Havelock, NC, James (Vickie) McRae, Badin, NC and Byron (Joanne) McRae, Waxhaw, NC; one sister, Faynetta Allgood  Kernersville, NC; one brother-in-law, Walter (Lauriel) Washington; three sisters-in-law: Thelma Pintella, Pearl Washington, and Gussie (Odell) McKenzie; a great host of nieces, nephews and cousins; a long time sister friend, Deaconess Gertrude Jackson, New Bern, NC; her special spiritual adopted daughter, Patricia Johnson, Bordentown, NJ; godsons: Redman Caldwell, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, James Caldwell and  Brian Dix, both of Philadelphia, PA, and Donald McRae, Jr.,  Willingboro, NJ; goddaughter, Cynthia Dix, Boston, MA; a host of other Spiritual sons and daughters;  a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send all monetary donations to Bishop Franklin D. Washington, Sr., 8707 Cornwall Street, Locust, NC 28097.

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