Leatrice Rosaline Washington

Obituary
Mrs. Leatrice Rosaline Graves Washington

Mrs. Leatrice Rosaline Graves Washington, age 82, peacefully departed this life to be with the Lord on March 8, 2026, at Daysprings Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Dayton, Ohio.

She was born on May 16, 1943, in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, to the late Leatha Murry Graves and John Charles Graves. At an early age, she became a member of St. Luke AME Church under the leadership of Rev. J.W. Richardo. She later remained active in her faith as a member of Overlook Church of Christ in Dayton, Ohio.

Leatrice was a proud 1961 graduate of Lowery High School in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, where she participated as an avid basketball player and a member of the school band. She also attended Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for one year. She later married the love of her life, Joseph Washington, Jr., and they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. As the devoted wife of a military serviceman, she proudly traveled abroad with her husband, embracing the life of a loving, supportive, and virtuous military wife.

Her greatest joy in life came from her family. She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with those she loved.

To cherish her memory, she leaves behind her beloved son, James A. Washington; one brother, Larry G. Graves of Donaldsonville, Louisiana; two sisters-in-law, Earline Washington of Donaldsonville, Louisiana and Alexis Graves of St. James, Louisiana; three grandchildren, Dallas Washington, Jayla Washington, and Trenity Hayes; and two great-grandchildren, Hailey Washington and Joseph Washington. She also leaves behind her devoted friends, Jimmy and Agnes Potter, her godchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Mrs. Washington was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph Washington, Jr.; her parents, Leatha Murry Graves and John Charles Graves; two sisters, Mary A. Jackson and Joyce Williams; two brothers, Charles Graves and Atwood Graves; three sisters-in-law, Catherine Graves, Hazel Graves, and Bertha Graves; and two brothers-in-law, Victor Williams and Lucius Jackson.

Mrs. Washington’s life was a testament to love, faith, and dedication to family. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 AM at the Jackson Lytle and Lewis Life Celebration Center, Springfield. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Alfred Willis. Burial to follow at Dayton National Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com.