William B Washington

Barry, as he was called, loved playing with his ten siblings, especially pulling on the ear of his youngest sister, Nanette. At two months, Barry contracted meningitis and pneumonia and spent three months fighting his illness at Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC. Always a happy baby with an infectious smile and laugh, it was not until he was beginning to walk and express himself at age two that the family began to notice the long-term effects of his earlier illness. At age 8, Barry entered intermediate care and was later settled into a residential facility. He would live at Mid Atlantic, Careco and RCM of Washington.

A lifelong music lover, Barry attended concerts with two of his care coordinators from Mid Atlantic, Kim and Orlando, with whom he had a special bond. Barry was often spotted singing and dancing along to music, even from his wheelchair, especially at the annual holiday parties. He loved old school music and R&B, and his face would light up with a smile that could melt your heart when a song he liked came on the radio. Barry also enjoyed the beach and took trips to Puerto Rico, Ocean City, and Virginia Beach with his friends.

After leaving Careco in 2011, Barry spent the rest of his years as a beloved member of the RCM family. He spent his time enjoying activities such as sensory stimulation, auditory stimulation, aromatherapy/massage therapy, arts and crafts, and listening to his favorite football team on the radio, the Commanders. It was at RCM that Barry learned to pray, and he was always ready with an enthusiastic “Hallelujah!” at just the right times. Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver Sr. and Beatrice, and his older brother Nathan. He leaves to cherish his memory his 6 sisters: Sheila(James P), Wanda, Alice(Levester), Benita(Lawrence), Beatrice Suzy” (Jeffrey), and Nanette(Lloyd); 3 brothers: Oliver Jr./“Bo”(Brenda), James(Philippa), and Ivan; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.