Betty Jane “BJ” Walsh Washington

Betty Jane “BJ” Walsh Washington passed away peacefully on May 14, 2014. 

BJ was married to Samuel Lawford Washington, and is survived by her sons, their wives, and eight grandchildren:  Coleman & Francie Washington and their children Evan Coleman Washington and Emily Lund Davidson; Bruce & Karen Washington and their children Colleen Denys Washington, Mary “Kendall” Washington, Julianna Claiborne Washington & Cameron Elise Washington & Keith & Christina Washington and their children Hauken Lawford Washington and Samuel “Tillman” Washington.

BJ embraced life to the fullest and relished every friendship trailing from McKinley High School, William & Mary College, Kappa Alpha Theta, her life as a Navy and corporate executive wife, passing through Washington DC, Williamsburg, Ashland, & Norfolk, VA; Philadelphia, Treasure Island, CA, Key West FL, Norfolk, Atlanta, Ramsey NJ, Miami, and Dallas. She and Sam retired to Lake Lure N.C. in the 1980’s.

B.J’s lifelong commitment besides her family was to find ways to support education.  She realized as a teacher and through continuous guidance and counseling what a difference education can make in everyone’s life. BJ always had a love of history and supported that love and her natural curiosity through travel and reading.  Wherever she was, B.J. got involved, dedicating her time, talent, and passion to the community. She shared her time with family, friends, community work such as the Lake Lure library, her sorority Kappa Alpha Theta, women’s groups, and Rutherford County Hospice.  Her work as a Guardian Ad Litem into the final year of her life was truly remarkable.

A memorial will be held at Buffalo Cemetery on the grounds of Rumbling Bald Resort.  Contributions may be made in her name to the Hospice of Rutherford County, NC.

Crowe’s Mortuary is serving the family.