Aretha Washington

Her Life Story A LIFE WELL LIVED Rev. Aretha B. Washington In the tapestry of life, there are threads of resilience, faith, and love that weave together to create an extraordinary story. Aretha Buckhannan was born to the late Jack Buckhannan and Willie Mae Paulk on October 16, 1932, in Douglas, Georgia, and was a shining example of a life lived with purpose and devotion. Aretha, the eldest among 17 siblings, was entrusted with great responsibility from a young age. Her grandmother, a midwife, instilled in her the values of patience, strength, endurance, and integrity. As she cared for other children, while her grandmother worked, Aretha’s character was forged, preparing her for the remarkable journey that lay ahead. At the age of 16, Aretha’s life took a profound turn when she received the precious gift of the Holy Spirit during a neighborhood gathering that taught about Jesus. However, she faced pressure from opposition, which led her to temporarily step away from her faith. In adulthood, Aretha became a loving mother to two boys, Billy Burton, and Ollie Burton, Jr. Tragically, she experienced the heart-wrenching loss of her youngest son, at the tender age of 34. The pain of losing a child is a burden like no other, yet Aretha transformed her sorrow into a boundless love that she showered upon others, becoming a mother to the nations. Life eventually led her to Pompano Beach, FL, in 1955 where Elisha Washington became her husband. She embarked on a career as a Cosmetologist, despite her initial aspiration to become a nurse. Financial constraints and time limitations redirected her path, but she excelled in her chosen trade. When her family moved to New York, God’s hand became evident in her life once again. Aretha obtained her New York Cosmetology license and thrived in her profession, even having to turn away clients due to high demand. However, it was in New York, that God’s calling took a new dimension. Co-founding the Free Church of Deliverance with Minister Pierce, Aretha’s profound love for God led her to a ministry she had initially envisioned. Despite facing numerous obstacles in societal opposition in the 1980’s, she was among the pioneering women who paved the way for female preachers. In 1980, Pastor Washington founded Little Church by the Wayside for Jesus, Inc. with only eight members in a small house. Her cousin Dottie’s offer to use part of her shop as a place for church services was a divine opportunity. The church’s growth was astounding, eventually culminating in the construction of a new church at 2500 NW. 14th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1985. With unwavering faith and a mere $6,000, Aretha’s next project, the Washington Faith Outreach Center, became a reality. This two-story building houses Apple of My Eye Childcare and Learning Center, along with a multipurpose facility, both completely debt-free. The Vision Aretha’s vision was fast and encompassing: • She aimed to educate and empower young girls to become responsible adults. • Her ministry embraces all, teaching the young at heart, and emphasizing the importance of men leading their household. • She tirelessly spread the message of God’s love for all mankind. • In her presence, everybody was somebody. Travels Aretha’s life was enriched by her travels to various revival crusades, where she sought spiritual inspiration and growth. She attended gatherings led by renowned evangelists such as Katheryn Kuhlman, Morris Cerullo, and countless others. Her journey took her to destinations such as New York, California, Hawaii, and the Bahama Islands, each destination experience added a new layer to her spiritual tapestry. In addition to her spiritual pursuits, Aretha was also a devoted learner in the realm of Cosmetology. She attended various hair shows, where she eagerly absorbed the latest trends in hair styling and hair care, continuously seeking to improve her craft. Work of the Gospel Aretha's life was a symphony of unwavering dedication to the Gospel, a melody that touched hearts and transformed lives. Her commitment to spreading the message of Christ's love and grace knew no bounds. Through her powerful preaching, earnest witnessing, and the profound impact she had on the lives of countless individuals, she became a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. Within the tapestry of her ministry, Aretha assumed a role far beyond that of a pastor. She was a nurturing and guiding force, a spiritual mother to many who sought her wisdom and warmth. Her son, Elder Billy Burton, recognized the call to support her mission, and in 1994, he and his family made the profound move from Clewiston, FL to join her in ministry. Alongside him, Aretha's nephews, Deacon Jess Temple, and Elder Roger Patrick, were assigned to assist in her ministry as she gracefully matured in age. It was foretold, both through prophecy and the whisper of family bonds, that Jess and Roger had a unique destiny intertwined with their beloved aunt's mission. Jess received a prophetic calling from a young age, guiding their later years. Similarly, Roger's mother, before her passing, entrusted him with a sacred purpose - to stand alongside his aunt and continue the sacred work of spreading the Gospel. In this remarkable union of family and faith, Aretha's legacy lives on not only in the lives she touched directly but also in the future generations who carry forth the torch of her ministry. Her impact will forever resonate, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the bonds of family united in service to the Lord. Family She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elisha Washington: her sons Ollie Burton Jr. and Billy Burton; her sisters, Debra Buckhannan, Hazel Buckhannan Terry, and Betty Buckhannan Wells; her brothers, Malcy Buckhannan, Roosevelt Buckhannan, William D. Patrick, Donnie Buckhannan and Willie James Buckhannan. Her stepsiblings: Mary Francis Taylor and Lonnie Smith. Aretha’s legacy lives on through her beloved daughters-in-law: Mary Burton and Fatrina Rutledge, three dear sisters, Valerie Terry (Richard), Ella Gallimore, and Annie Ruth Jones. Four devoted brothers: Morris Cal Buckhannan (Mae), Terry Lee Buckhannan, Curtis Buckhannan, and John Rush. Four caring stepsiblings: Bobbie Smith, Betty Smith, Helen Jones, and Margaret Smith. Six grandchildren: Luther Burton (Willette), Cynthia Vaughn, Tangie Burroughs (Jonathan), QwaTonya Burton Seipp (Mark), Ollie Burton, Kerri Burton. Twelve Great-Grandchildren: Artavius Edmond, Aquera Johnson (Gerard), Major Thornton III, Jada Blue, Zandy Noel Buchholz (Chris), Loni Burton, Jay Poole, Tommy Poole, Kai Burton, Tavis Burton, Luther Leonard Burton, and Ontenerria Burton. Four Great-Great Grandchildren: Yanara Buchholz, Zyra Johnson, Zoriah Johnson, and Alayiah Johnson. Godsons: David Smith and Marvin Hightower. Spiritual Daughters/Sons: Mother Fran Dennis, Pastor Tawanda Sweeting-Anderson, Minister Kimberly Watson, Deacon Melvin Watson, Pastor Lucius Harris, numerous nieces, nephews, and an extensive circle of relatives, friends, spiritual children, and her extensive circle of loved ones. She shared a special bond with her dedicated caregivers, (former caregiver Sister Delores Harris-Glenn) Sister Susie McMillian and Minister Linda Wamley; Respite Care was provided by her sister Valerie Terry and her granddaughter QwaTonya Seipp; Special members of the clergy: Apostle Dr. R.G. Williams, Minister Dorothy Bryant, and Dr. Queen McCormick. There are four out of the eight remaining members, Sister Helen Smith and Deacon Willie Anderson remain lifelong members of Little Church by the Wayside for Jesus. Pastor Tom Bryant and Minister Dorothy Bryant have followed the paths that originated by branching out and continuing to preach the gospel. On Saturday morning, September 9, 2023, Aretha embarked on a new journey, one filled with love, serenity, and joy. Her life was a testament to unwavering faith, boundless love, and tireless service. As we bid farewell to this faithful servant, we say “Well Done, Thy Good and Faithful Servant! Job Well Done!"

Aretha Washington

October 16, 1932 - September 9, 2023