Mother Bunzella Alexander Washington, the beloved Matriarch of her five generation family, was born on Saturday, June 12, 1926, in Steele, Missouri, to the union of the late John Quincy, Sr. and Lucinda (Holton) Alexander. As the second of seven children, Bunzella learned early the values of resilience, compassion, and family devotion. Four sibling - Dorthea, John Quincy, Jr., Ethel, and Mavis, passed away in childhood, losses that shaped her tender heart and unwavering strength.

Her family later moved to Pascola, Missouri, a rural community outside Hayti. It was there, at a young age, that Bunzella was baptized at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong walk with Christ. She attended school in the Hayti School District and graduated from Central High School of Hayti in 1946, carrying with her a quiet determination and a commitment to excellence.

After graduation, Bunzella moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she began her career at Forest City Manufacturing Company as a skilled seamstress. Her hands were gifted-steady, precise, and creative. Through her craft, she stitched not only garments but also love, patience, and care into the fabric of her family’s life.

Bunzella’s profound legacy blossomed through her 34-year marriage to the late General “Jim” Washington, who passed on November 9, 1983. Together, they worshiped faithfully at Rock Chapel AME Church and built the foundation of a magnificent five-generation family. Their union brought forth seven children, each a reflection of the love, discipline, and faith they instilled.

Later, Bunzella moved her membership to Clayton Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend W.L. Rhodes. She remained steadfast in her service until returning to her childhood home, where she lovingly cared for her parents until their passing — a testament to her loyalty, devotion, and deep sense of responsibility. After a lengthy illness, she joined her brother Benjamin at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under Reverend JB Garris. Her presence in the church was a beacon. Her prayers carried weight. Her devotion inspired generations.

Though deeply rooted in faith and family, Bunzella embraced life with curiosity and joy. She was an avid traveler, exploring Germany, Paris, Italy, Switzerland, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and numerous cities across the United States. Whether traveling with her children or boldly venturing alone, she carried herself with elegance, confidence, and wonder. cherished fishing trips with her family, finding peace in the simple beauty of nature and the laughter shared along the water’s edge.

On June 23, 2026, at 1:44 p.m., Bunzella was called home to be with her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her husband, General “Jim” Washington; children, Gerald (Donna) and Timothy (infant); siblings, Benjamin Alexander (Mamie) and Charlene Jefferson; and grandchildren, Nicole Stevenson, Jocelyn Lipsey, and Jerome Billings.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Kenneth (Linda) Washington (of Tampa, FL), Charlene Stevenson, Sharon (Willie) Frazier (of Tampa, FL), Verna Frazier, and Andrea Washington; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Elbert) Sanders and Mary Diggs; brother-in-law, MacArthur Diggs, all of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Alisa, Robyn, Tonya, Crystal, William, Andre, Khaliq (Vanity, Germeka (Demetrius), LaDonna, Timothy II, Tinisha, Ashley M., Michael, Ciara, Ashley W., Tyra, Gerald Jr. (Jasmine), Khyle (Algnamalupe), and Khyla; 31 great-grandchildren; 25 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, along with her Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church Family.

Mother Bunzella lived a life of faith, service, strength, and love. Her legacy is woven into every generation she nurtured, every life she touched, and every prayer she lifted. Her memory will forever be a blessing.