WFR

Our Family

Our family is more than just a name,
A bond of love, a steady flame.
Though miles may stretch both near and far,
We stay connected—heart to heart.

Through laughter, tears, the highs, the lows,
A family's love forever grows.
No matter where life leads us to,
Our roots run deep, our ties stay true.

For all the blessings life imparts,
The greatest gift is in our hearts.
What joy would riches bring our way,
Without a family to share each day?

It all started with two:

Our journey began in 1890, when Thomas "Papa Tom" Washington (born March 6, 1869) and Josephine "Momma Jo" Washington (born March 25, 1873) built a life together on a leased farm in Grand Cane, Louisiana. In an era when Black families faced immense challenges, they nurtured their growing household with strength, faith, and determination.

Together, they were blessed with 16 children, though heartbreak struck early with the loss of their three eldest sons. The remaining 13 children carried their legacy forward, shaping a family rooted in love, perseverance, and unity.

"From these Roots": A Legacy of Strength and Connection

Papa Tom and Momma Jo instilled deep family values, ensuring their children remained connected across generations. Their children shared a close and loving bond, often naming their own children after one another—a tradition that honored their ancestors and reinforced the strength of family ties. Raised with an unshakable sense of identity, faith, and responsibility, they carried these values forward, shaping the Washington family for generations to come.

Momma Josephine passed away at the age of 57, and Papa Tom later remarried Florida. Despite life’s changes, he remained devoted to keeping the family united. He encouraged them to stay in touch, attend services at Flower Hill Baptist Church in Grand Cane, Louisiana (DeSoto Parish), and gather for family barbecues—both at his home and at the homes of his children.

As opportunities arose, many of Thomas and Josephine’s children and grandchildren joined the Great Migration, leaving the Jim Crow South in search of a better life. Some relocated through military service, while others pursued education and new career paths. Over time, the Washington family spread far beyond Louisiana, with relatives now calling Washington, California, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Tennessee, Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and beyond home.
Yet, no matter where life led them, family remained at the heart of everything.

Keeping the Tradition Alive: The Washington Family Reunion

Many years after Papa Tom’s passing, his granddaughter Roberta Black (daughter of Mary Jane) felt a deep calling to preserve the legacy of Thomas and Josephine Washington. Determined to keep the family connected, she formed a committee alongside co-founders Mary Bell Johnson (daughter of Lillie) and Mary Graham (daughter of Luella "Mama Lou").

The committee also included a minister, secretary, treasurer, and contact members, all dedicated to ensuring the success of this endeavor. Together, in 1980, they established the Washington Family Reunion, creating a tradition that would honor their ancestors and strengthen family bonds for generations to come.

A Legacy That Lives On

Today, the Washington Family spans seven generations, yet our story continues to be written. Whether you are reconnecting with long-lost relatives or discovering your place in this extraordinary lineage, this website and our reunions serve as a tribute to our past, a celebration of the present, and a beacon of hope for the future.
Join us as we honor the legacy of Thomas and Josephine Washington—a legacy built on faith, courage, unity, and an unbreakable commitment to family.

Our Family Song:
“We’ve Come This Far by Faith”

When the first Washington Family Reunion was planned in 1980, the committee chose a song that embodied our family’s journey:

🎶 We’ve come this far by faith,
Leaning on the Lord,
Trusting in His holy word,
He’s never failed us yet… 🎶

Through hardships, migrations, and triumphs, faith has been our foundation—just as it was for Papa Tom and Momma Jo as they built a life for their children. At every reunion, as voices rise in unison, we are reminded:

Through it all, we’ve come this far by faith—and we are still a family.

Our Family Scripture:
Psalm 133:1 (KJV)

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" – Psalm 133:1 (KJV)

For generations, unity has been the heartbeat of the Washington Family. From the days of Papa Tom and Momma Jo, who raised their children with faith and love, to the many generations that have followed, our family has stood strong through prayer, perseverance, and an unbreakable bond.

This scripture is more than just a verse—it is a reflection of who we are. No matter the distance, no matter life’s trials, we remain one family, united in love and faith. We honor this God-given unity at every Washington Family Reunion, where we reconnect, celebrate our heritage, and strengthen the ties that bind us.

Just as our ancestors prayed together, worked together, and worshiped together, we continue their legacy—lifting one another up, standing firm in our faith, and cherishing the blessing of family.

For it is truly good and pleasant to dwell together in unity. And by God’s grace, we always will.

Our Family Motto:
"A Family That Prays Together, Stays Together"

Faith in Jesus Christ has always been the foundation of the Washington Family. Rooted in Christian values, our family has endured through prayer, unity, and unwavering trust in God—a legacy passed down from Papa Tom and Momma Jo.

At each biennial reunion, we come together for our Family Worship Service on Sunday morning, giving praise and thanksgiving to God. Just as Papa Tom led his family in faith at Flower Hill Baptist Church, we continue to worship, pray, and grow together in Christ.

We are a family built on faith, guided by prayer, and sustained by God’s grace.