Consuelo Washington

Consuelo Delilah Washington was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 29, 1937, to the late Clark and Consuelo Young. As the only girl among three brothers, she was affectionately called “Sister” by family members, and Connie to the rest of the world. On January 1, 2023, Connie gained her wings.

Connie attended Marshall Elementary School and Sumner High School (1955) in St. Louis, MO, before she met and married the love of her life, Arthur “Chink” Washington. The two were married for 58 years until Chink’s untimely death in October 2018. At a young age, Connie became a member of Antioch Baptist Church and later attended Cote Brillante Presbyterian Church.

Connie was a ray of sunshine on any given day – always so warm and welcoming with such a positive demeanor. She never met a person she didn’t like; and by the end of any conversation with her, you felt like you had known her forever. She loved to sing and took pride in calling people on their birthday and singing all 3 verses of the “Happy Birthday” song!

For 34 years, Connie worked for the now-defunct Trans World Airlines (TWA). Starting her career as a Front Line Customer Service Agent then becoming the first African American woman to manage St. Louis’ TWA Reservation Center, she was a pioneer in the industry, and was instrumental in accelerating the hire of ethnically diverse employees. While working for TWA, she was introduced to international travel, and immediately loved and took advantage of opportunities to travel abroad. Spontaneously, she would jet off to England, Italy or perhaps, Africa for a safari. Her hospitality expertise and love of travel were also demonstrated when, in 1996, she accepted Governor Mel Carnahan’s appointment to the Missouri Tourism Commission, where she served as a commissioner and later, vice-chair. Connie served on the commission for nine years.

Always impeccably dressed, with her hair flawlessly coiffed and her nails freshly polished – Connie loved to shop. Her absolute favorite stores were Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. It would be of no surprise to anyone that she volunteered with Dress for Success, an organization providing professional attire and development tools to women seeking employment. Additionally, she was a proud member of the Amelians, a women’s social club. When the Amelians hosted its bi-annual fashion show, Connie was always a crowd favorite model, as she strutted down the runway.

When gambling came to St. Louis, Connie discovered another love. She and Chink were regulars at the local casinos. Connie didn’t drive, but would delight in someone taking her to spend “quality” time at the casino. Even when her vision began to deteriorate, Connie’s excitement about visiting the casinos never waned. Yearly, she and Chink would travel to Tunica Mississippi with The Goshen Oats Social Club.

Connie was a strong supporter of her husband’s political career and of the 21st Ward Organization. She further demonstrated her community pride and commitment by supporting and volunteering with the Annie Malone Parade Committee. Even in her final years, while living at the Mary Culver Home and working with the staff, she ensured the other ladies received their absentee ballots.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband and older brother, Clark. Connie is survived by her devoted daughter, Stephanie Washington Benbow; two grandchildren, Quincy and Victoria; two brothers, Cleveland (Dorothy) and Kirwan (Gwen); sisters-in-law, Darlene Young and Faye Washington; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family served by Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary.