Alice B Washington

Alice B. Washington, 83 of Waldorf, MD, was surrounded by family as she peacefully went to be with the Lord Friday, May 12, 2023, at Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Center in Fort Washington, MD. She was born to the late Alice Hollins and Joseph Berkley in Charlottesville, VA on September 1, 1939. As smart as she was beautiful, Alice graduated salutatorian of Jackson P. Burley High School’s class of 1957. Alice retired after 36 years working as the Supervisor of the printing and copying center and as the Supervisor of the post office in the University of Virginia Hospital. She leaves to cherish her memory her loyal and devoted daughter Paige Neal; grandchildren Brittani Groomes and her husband Ivory Groomes, Victorya Neal, and Louis Neal III; great granddaughters Journee Groomes and Leighton Neal; her loving brother Percel Berkley, nephews Kendall Berkley and Timothy Berkely, niece Jewel Shubert and her husband Marcellis Shubert; and a host of other family and friends that she treasured. Alice was a member of Zion Union Baptist Church in Charlottesville, VA until she relocated to Vorhees, NJ in 1997. There, she became an active member of Grace Temple Baptist Church in Lawnside, NJ, where she met Pat Mitchell who would become one of her closest friends. At church, she participated in Thursday Bible study, the Christmas Clothes and Toys drive, and the annual school supply drive. Alice was Vice President of the Vorhees Senior Club, where she coordinated activities, played Bingo, and attended community events. She was also a member of the “Golden Girls” along with Mildred, Barbara, Dolly, and Rosa Lee. Alice looked forward to meeting with the ladies every Friday to enjoy lots of laughs while playing some of their favorite games. She was an avid reader of murder mysteries and loved watching her favorite television shows, British murder mysteries, the Voice, American Idol, the Masked Singer, and, of course, Football. Go Commanders! Always the fashionista, Alice found joy in shopping for herself and those she loved. Mobility issues led Alice to move in with her daughter in June 2021; this time together fostered many cherished moments, laughs, and memories that will stay in the hearts of her loved ones forever. The family will celebrate Alice’s life with a private ceremony. Those that want to honor Alice’s memory can donate to the American Cancer Society, read a mystery novel, watch one of her favorite television shows, or give to any organization that supports underserved children.

A Poem by Jewel Shubert:

I A.M.

I, Alice Marie

As so she was, and is my daddy’s big sister.

I A.M. was the one I remembered who walked with assurance and confidence.

The soul who didn’t require nor yearn for apologies nor acceptance.

That’s how she walked.

Her southern twang, wide smile and big laugh always reminded me of down home.

There was an angel who touched her long before now

because she wore her style for herself, and her fight in this life was

as long and as deep as her beauty.

And no man, no woman could change her pattern and simplicity for life.

She embraced the comfort in how she chose to live.

I thank her and cherish the “just us” shopping memories and

encouragement for me to be a better cook. I’ve got work to do.

She gave me the light to have someone to speak to God about,

to learn from and to accept.

I will miss the only Aunt I’ve ever known.

And yes, save me a seat next to you at the banquet.

I look to see you laugh again, Alice Marie.