Dorothy Patricia Washington

Dorothy was a force to be reckoned with, but many may not know the personal intricacies of who she was. Most know her as Dorothy, but a select few knew her as Pat. She was born on May 8, 1942 in Washington DC to Joseph and Louise Fletcher. As one of 11 children, she and her sister’s had impeccable style was reflective of their upbringing and DC roots. She was known for her love of quality shoes, devotion to her faith and persistence with following proper social standards…..she NEVER wore white after Labor Day!

At a young age, she worked for the US Department of Agriculture and soon after met the love of her life, Thomas A Washington. On November 24, 1962 they married and spent the next 7 years traveling, compliments of the US Navy. She gave birth to three children overseas, Cheryl and Tommy Jr, born in Bremerhaven, Germany and Marie, born in Guam. They made their forever home in San Diego in 1973, where she cherished her time as a devoted wife and mother for many years.

After tragically losing her sole mate on October 16, 1989 she turned her grief into service of others working for the San Diego Municipal Court and volunteering in many capacities. Dorothy worked at the San Diego Municipal Court as a court clerk, retiring after 15 years of service. While working at the court house, she also volunteered for several social service agencies throughout San Diego County to include the National Council of Negro Women, Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Southeast chapter, and many other agencies. During this time she held several board positions and was the honoree for the Breakfast for My Lady on May 11 2002, Women of the Year for NCNW September 2003, Distinguished Citizen Award from Children’s Hospital March 28, 2003, and the May 2006 Award for 20 years of public service from NCNW.

In the late 90’s she met her first grand daughter, Lauren and this seemed to change her focus. As more and more grandchildren arrived, a total of 6, she became fondly known as “Nana” to each of them: Lauren, Sean, Micah, Alexander, Gabriella and Madeline. She diligently cheered the kids from the sidelines of their sports, attended school plays, filled stockings at Christmas, cooked their favorite treats, helped with homework, picked up from school and overall, just loved being in their life. Her family gave her life. When she wasn’t involved with the kids and grandkids, she enjoyed being a part of the “Money Count” group at OLG, book club marathon meetings with friends, walking the hallways at Grossmont Hospital as a volunteer, sitting on the Grossmont Auxiliary board, or exercised the ever-watchful eye as “Mom Washington” for the kids and adults at the karate studio. Mom was always busy and never tired of adventure. She was a gentle soul that loved so deeply, sharing her compassion with so many.

To continue her legacy, Dorothy leaves behind her children: Cheryl, Thomas Jr and Marie and their related spouses, her six grandchildren, sisters Verna, Jeannie, Dolores and Joanne; loving in-laws: Barbara, Jarriett and Mary; and countless friends.

Her final days caught us all off guard. However, the Lord brought her home peacefully, surrounded by her children whom she loved so dearly. Yes, she is home. With the love of her life. But she will be missed by those who love her always.