Mrs. Myrtle Lee Sam Washington, 82, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, transitioned into eternal life on Friday, October 4, 2019.  Born in Beggs, Louisiana on November 26, 1936, she was the daughter of the late John and Leola Sam.  Myrtle accepted Christ at an early age.  She was a faithful member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Lake Charles for over 59 years.

Myrtle was beautiful inside and out. She loved to dress up in her Sunday best. However, no outfit was complete until she put on that beautiful smile. Myrtle loved life, and she loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family beyond words. After retiring from the Calcasieu Parish School Board, where she worked at both Washington High School and Washington Marion Magnet High School, Myrtle enjoyed gardening and sitting on her front porch greeting everyone who passed by. Not only did she plant seeds in the ground, she also planted seeds in the lives of so many of her friends and family members. Just look around and see all of the beauty that has grown from her love!

Myrtle was preceded in death by her loving husband George Washington, Sr., her parents John and Leola Sam, and her sister Rose Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Evelyn (Washington) Grice (Newport News, VA) and Rev. Katherine Washington Williams (Fayetteville, North Carolina), three sons--Charles (Jacqueline) Washington Sr. ( Lake Charles, LA),  George (Theresa) Washington (Houston, TX), and Edward (Mary Beth) Washington (Carencro, LA). She leaves one brother, Willie Sam (Springfield, MA) and one brother-in-law, Manuel Washington (Lake Charles). She will forever be missed by her beloved grandchildren--Shawona (James) Ross, Roy (Sharonda) Williams, Aisha (Raymond) Guillory, Ashley Livings, Timothy (Monika) Washington, Charles Washington, Jr., Kevin (Monique) Williams, Leonard Washington, Marlon (Martinique) Washington, Jordan Washington, Maxine Washington, and Joshua Washington. The family continues with her twenty-one great grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones. Myrtle also had many special friends whom she cherished.

While we may weep today, our hearts will always rejoice when we reflect on her endless strength, her passion for life and her sincere and endless devotion to her family and the Lord. Thank you for everything you taught us, Myrtle. Now, take your rest…we will all be okay.