Joc Washington

Scroll of Life

In Loving Memory of

Bertha Alice Ferrell Washington

Sunset June 23, 2020

On a bright autumn day, in Waco, Texas, Ossie B. Ferrell and Clifford Ferrell Young received their beautiful baby girl into their loving arms. That bouncing baby, Bertha Alice, was the oldest of the family's three children. As the oldest, she served as a compassionate protector of her sisters Bobbye and Junina. Bobbye remembers an important event in her sister's life and in her leadership development; "My fondest yet saddest memory of my big sister was the weekend our parents drove her to Texas College as a freshman. My parents, Junina, and I, cried all the way back to Tulsa. We cried daily until Bertha came home for Christmas break. Over the break, we were so happy to have Bertha back home. Bertha was a natural-born leader. Even within our family, she demonstrated an ability to lead and bring people together."

Bertha was educated at St. Monica Catholic Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She later moved easily and successfully through the Tulsa Public School System for middle and high school. Classy and proper, she stood out as an excellent student. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Her name has been etched into the recently erected Booker T. Washington High School Monument in the historic Black Wall Street/ Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After graduating from high school, Bertha attended Texas College in Tyler, Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. A life-long learner, she continued her education concentrating on Women's Studies and Behavioral Science at Colorado State University.

From early on, Bertha's family life revolved around the Church of God In Christ faith in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Under the leadership of Bishop J. B. Hawkins, Pastor of First Church of God in Christ. The church formed the center of the family's spiritual, social, and extracurricular activities. Young Bertha participated in numerous ministries within the church starting with the Sunshine Band. She eagerly attended state and national Church of God in Christ conventions. God also strategically placed her in the path of great people, as He knew what her future held. Bertha had the distinct privilege of being mentored by Mother J.V. Hearne, then Supervisor of the Ecclesiastical Northwest Oklahoma Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ.

When Bertha completed her studies at Texas College, she returned to Tulsa and resumed working in various ministries at her home church. It was during that time she met a young, handsome Elder, J.L. Washington, a traveling evangelist, who visited Tulsa regularly to conduct revivals. Over time, a loving relationship developed and they were married in 1961.

Bertha proved to be J.L.'s perfect helpmate. They each were committed to God's work and to the mission of the church, and they each answered their calling. In the early years of their marriage, J.L. pastored in Lubbock, Texas. In 1962, the Washington Family relocated to Denver, Colorado where they founded Evangelist Temple COGIC. Elder Washington and First Lady Bertha Washington nurtured, launched, and cultivated a thriving congregation. They served their flock for more than 45 years. They truly worked in ministry together. They complimented each other through their natural ability to lead God's people. Watching them, they clearly enjoyed kingdom building, especially when they were working together.

She made compassion and kindness her trademark. These qualities translated into the important work that she did for her community. For 25 years, Bertha worked for the Denver City and County Department of Human Service as a Social Worker. Her gracefulness in understanding the needs of families and adults in crisis coupled with her God-given commitment to fairness, improved the lives of people she touched. Her professionalism, experience, and integrity led to her promotion and to managing Social Workers. She proved invaluable to the department and to her clients.

Throughout her life, Bertha remained devoted to the word of God and to the work of the church. As a child, she loved Sunday School. As an adult, she served as Evangelist Temple Church of God in Christ Sunday School Superintendent. Additionally, she had the honor of serving with the late Elder Andrew Singleton as the State Sunday School Field Representative. Together, they instilled in everyone the importance of Christian Education.

She also became a licensed missionary. Over the years, she worked diligently within the jurisdictional women's department in numerous capacities.

Mother Washington was a loving, compassionate, wise, and equitable servant leader. She never missed an opportunity to educate and to encourage. On November 8, 2002, she was elevated to serve as Supervisor for the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Colorado COGIC. As Supervisor of the Jurisdictional Women's Department, she made the most of that opportunity by mentoring and training strong Christian women. Christian Education stayed close to her heart, as did equipping women to take their rightful place in the church, home, and community.

She was a beautiful woman inside and out. Forever stylish, she was widely known as the "Queen of Hats." No matter the occasion, she arrived impeccably dressed and ready to do the work at hand. Her personal shopper, Alice Taylor, and her hat designer, Shellie McDowell, remember her fondly.

Alice said: "Mother Washington was a phenomenal and extraordinary woman. What stood out most to me was her generosity and kindness. We truly enjoyed spending time together looking through clothing catalogs and visiting for hours. We became genuine friends. I will always remember and cherish the peace that would surround us while we were in each other's company. Many of our visits would end with me falling asleep. I found comfort in her presence and simply enjoyed being with this great Woman of God."

Shellie shared similar precious memories of her time with Mother Washington: "It has been my privilege to adorn the heads of many COGIC women with personal, handcrafted ‘Crowns' for over 30 Years! Mother Washington, as I fondly referred to her, was one of my dearest customers. Mother Washington brought to that experience, the essence of her gentle kisses, loving and encouraging words, and impeccable fashion savvy, and, not to be overlooked, her enormous sense of humor. She was particularly endearing to my assistant Paula Ellis. She would come to the booth and would always remark on the beauty and styles of the hats, often saying, ‘these have to be the prettiest hats in this entire vending hall.' Mother was always taken by the shapes of the bows and the symmetric styles of the hats, which she always considered unique, and a cut above the rest. She was always a joy to serve. On one particular visit, Mother asked to see a few blue hats, she was shown a gorgeous hat with feathers intertwined in the bow and she almost had a fit. She asked Paula ‘Do I look like a bird? Don't show me anything with feathers.' We always had a good laugh, Mother was our Angel, and we will always hold her memory fresh in our hearts. Our COGIC experiences will not be the same without her."

Mother Washington's impact on our community and the COGIC faith community around the country is immeasurable. Her teaching, program implementation, and dedication to uphold the standards and integrity of the organization is without question. Her accomplishments are numerous and the roles and titles she has held are impressive. Most importantly to her, however, she was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

The children of this Proverbs 31 woman reflect on their special relationship with their mother:

Charles – "I cherished her as a woman of faith with strong conviction. She exhibited unwavering faith in God. She taught us to believe that only what you do for Christ will last."

Ajuanya "AJ" – "Mama was a true example of a lady always ready to teach, guide, and lead us in the right direction. Most of all, she taught her children to always follow the word of God and trust Him. She was a loyal mother who was there for us through good, bad, and sad times. It has been an honor and privilege to be her daughter."

Tara – "I will always remember Mother for her grace, dedication, and teaching. She demonstrated how to truly be a lady. She also knew how to set a goal and execute a plan with excellence. She was a phenomenal Woman of God."

Joel-lyn – "As a mother, she taught us how to create a warm loving home environment and she encouraged us to be nurturing within our homes. She illustrated how to balance family, work, and ministry. She was an example of a praying and resourceful wife and mother.

She was a strong proponent of education. When it appeared her children had certain gifts, she always made sure they received professional training to assist in polishing their skills. She spent many Saturdays driving her children to voice and piano lessons.

As an extraordinary cook, she leaves behind beautifully handwritten recipes for her dressing, bread pudding, and famous sweet potato pie among other things. She had extremely specific instructions such as when to ‘fold' as opposed to ‘stir' when adding certain ingredients. She knew what to serve for each occasion and the appropriate sides that should be served with the main entrée. As she did in so many other areas, she exhibited excellence through her culinary skills. We will miss the meals she prepared and served with love."

Grandson Jackson – "As a grandmother, she was caring and compassionate. She was giving and consistently maintained a sense of gratitude for those who cared for her. I'll never forget the early morning coffee we shared during her visits to Oklahoma. I'll always remember our Christmas mornings of opening gifts, gathering goodies from our stockings, and eating family breakfast. She was thankful to be surrounded by the people she loved. She lived a life that reflected gratitude and she never strayed away from her faith. Most of all, she genuinely exhibited unconditional love. "

Proverbs 31:28 "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

In her winter, she received care from family and friends including many of the saints. Her primary caregivers included her daughters and cousin, Bobbie Jean LaBlanc. She was always thankful to be surrounded by the people who cared about her most. She considered her support group one of God's many blessings.

Mother Washington departed this life to reside for eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on June 23, 2020. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Superintendent Joel L. Washington; her parents, Ossie B. Ferrell and Clifford Young; her sister, Junina D. Jones; beloved grandson, Paul D. Ferguson; godson, Ronald Phillips, and goddaughter, Christel Q.E. Gayles.

Left to cherish her memory is her son Charles (Karen) Ferrell of Tulsa, OK, three daughters, Ajuanya L. Washington, Tara (Michael) Everette, both of Denver, CO and Joel-lyn (Joseph) McCormick, of Tulsa, OK; daughters-in-love, Yolanda (Jerry) Owens of Stillwater, OK and Carolyn Campbell of Greenville, NC; sisters, Bobbye Littlejohn and Marilyn (Dannie) Geeter, both of Tulsa, OK; sister-in-law, Rebecca Berry, of Apple Valley, CA; grandsons, Juston J. Ferrell, Adrian D. Ferrell, Jerry Wayne Owens, Phillip Owens, Shahid J. Hoover, and Jackson J. McCormick; granddaughter Christina G. Owens; 14 great-grandchildren; god children, Pastor Andrew (Andrea) Singleton of Memphis, TN, and Lady KeTurah (Derrick) Scurles of Pensacola, FL; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, devoted friends, the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Colorado Church of God in Christ, and the entire family of the International Church of God in Christ, Incorporated.

Visitation : July 2, 2020 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Pipkin Braswell
6601 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80220

: July 3, 2020 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Odom Memorial Church Of God In Christ
3301 Williams St.
Denver, CO 80205
303-292-5250

Celebration of Life : July 4, 2020 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Risng Star Missionarary Baptist Church
1500 South Dayton St.
Denver, CO

Graveside Service : July 6, 2020 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Fairmount Cemetery
430 South Quebec Street
Denver, CO 80231