Sarah Ann Washington

Sarah Ann came into the world Wednesday, 23 October 1929, the second of two daughters born to Gertrude and CR Maddox, six days before the Black Tuesday crash of the New York stock exchange. Were it not for the enterprising diligence of her parents, the family could have been devastated by the economic fallout of the ensuing depression. But CR, a plumber and pipefitter, moved the family to where work was available, and helped build several TVA projects. Later, he built his own plumbing business in Sheffield, Alabama, where Sarah Ann graduated high school.

Gertrude was a work-from-home wife of the 1940's through the 1970's, where she taught ceramics and sold at art shows and art festivals across the South. Gertrude passed along her artistic talents to both daughters, with all three ladies earning recognition in ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, and even lamp and furniture building.

Sarah Ann graduated from the University of Alabama before proudly joining the US Navy as a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), working in the Pentagon's Navy Cryptographic Department, where she met and married fellow Alabama native, Max L Washington. Max died in 2015.

When Mrs. Washington became a mother, she embraced the homemaker role, but continued to work in art, writing, and teaching physical exercise. Sarah was a bright, intelligent, and active young woman, who took on social tasks such as leading Girl Scouts and advocating for mental health causes. She encouraged and supported her children's interests in sports, drama, and academics, and accepted nothing less than full effort and good grades.

In 2012, Ms. Washington moved from Selma to the newly opened Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City, and was among the first few women in residence. She enjoyed coloring, reading, group outings, and social activities such as bingo, spelling bees, and puzzles. But toward the end, dementia degraded her mind and stole her memories. Lakeside Hospice assisted with her care the last six months of her life.

Surviving Ms. Washington are her three children, Deborah, Lynn, and John.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 am Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL 35115.

We are especially grateful and thankful for the many staff members of both Lakeside Hospice and Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home for their constant attention to Mother's needs, physically and emotionally. When someone treats a job as if it is a personal mission or a spiritual ministry, the wonderful outcome is the best care someone can expect. Thank you for your service.