Mother Virnell Washington was born on May 17, 1923 to the late George and Deanna Steven-Washington.
As a child, Washington attended Greenville Training School and upon reaching high school, she played on the basketball team as the number one point guard.
Following her graduation, Washington married Henry Washington in 1946.
Together, Washington and her husband had 11 children: Maria, Birdine, Henry, Jr., Freddie, Jr., Lorenda, George, Ted, Bernard, Eddie, Hercules and Gwen. Washington considers herself blessed, as she now has over 40 grandchildren, more than 100 great-grandchildren and 15 great great grandchildren.
In 1975, Washington was baptized under the leadership of Elder L. Edwards and became a child of God.
With her newfound passion for Christ, Washington was willing to walk in the order of God and passionately led many souls to Christ. Along with other women from her church, Mother E. Hadley and Sister E. Dansey, Washington would have a noon day prayer and from there, they would go out into the community and do mission work.
Washington was dedicated to attending bible studies, sermons or any other church related service that took place; even when her schedule was filled with witnessing and visiting the sick, Washington made time to attend.
Washington has worked diligently with the women and young women in her church’s Women Council Department and as a missionary in the Missionary Department. Always ready to tell someone about the goodness of her Savior, Williams is always willing to stop and pray with someone.
Currently, Washington attends Sanctuary of Praise in Greenville and on Sunday, April 17, Washington was presented with an award in honor of her Christian service and in admiration of her being the oldest church Mother in her church.
Washington is 93 years old but is still just as passionate for the Lord as she was in her youth. If anyone hears her Christian testimony, she will let them know, “This is the best thing that ever happened to me in my life!”