Jennie Mae Howard was born on November 28, 1921 in New Zion, South Carolina to Abraham and Celia Jenkins Howard. She was the eldest sister to Hayward Howard (Lucille), Thomas "Tommy" Howard, and Wilbur Howard (Marjean). In 1929, the Howard family moved to Lansing, Michigan, where they became members of Collins AME Church, now Trinity AME Church. With the exception of her friend and sister-in-law, Lucille Howard, all of her siblings and both parents preceded her in death. Jennie attended Lansing public schools and graduated from Central High School in January 1940. She attended Michigan State College, now Michigan State University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work on June 10, 1944. The very next day she married the love of her life, Thomas Levi Washington on June 11, 1944. And she was indeed the apple of his eye. The two had met a few years earlier at an African Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday School conference. They eventually became the devoted parents of five children: Celia, Tom, Jr., Carol, Earl, and Gary. Two sons, Tom, Jr., and Earl, preceded her in death. Tom became a highly respected career military man, serving 27 years in the United States Air Force where he attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Jennie and their children were with him in Tuskegee, Alabama at Tuskegee Army Airfield; in Columbus, Ohio at Lockbourne Air Force Base; in Manila, Philippines at Clark Air Force Base; in Tacoma, Washington at McChord Air Force Base; in West Germany at Spangdahlem Air Force Base and, finally, in Wichita, Kansas at McConnell Air Force Base. At each duty station, Jennie immersed herself in the life of the military community serving as an active member in the chapel and NCO Wives Club. She was an outstanding Girl Scout Leader in Tacoma. When Tom retired from the Air Force in 1967, he moved the family to Lansing, Michigan, where Jennie began employment with the State of Michigan. During her tenure, she mentored many state employees as a founding member and Executive Secretary of Black Associates in State Employment. Retirement didn't curtail Jennie's busy lifestyle. She continued to give her time and talents to the community: She worked at the Tri-County Council on Aging and at the YWCA as an employment and training advisor. She also volunteered at the Michigan Historical Museum, co-founded the library at Trinity AME and spent many enjoyable years teaching bridge to seniors at the Letts Community Center. In 1995, Jennie was appointed by Governor Engler to represent Michigan at the White House Conference on Aging. In honor of her husband, Tom, and to help preserve the legacy of African Americans in the United States military, she founded and became president of the Thomas L. Washington Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Lansing, Michigan. In addition, she was instrumental in the naming of Thomas L. Washington Avenue at Bolling Air Force Base. In 2007, Jennie attended the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor ceremony in Washington DC during which the Medal was conferred posthumously upon her husband, an original Tuskegee Airman. Jennie received her very own Congressional Medal on her 90th birthday in 2011 and was also recognized as a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA), whose service records have been officially verified. Jennie was initiated into and, at the time of her passing, was a member of Delta Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She was an active member of the Sorority for over 60 years. She was also a life member of the NAACP and avid supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center as well as a host of other organizations. Jennie was heard to have said on more than one occasion: "I'm about fairness. We have fought too hard to lose so much ground now. It used to be popular for people to want to do the right thing. Now a lot of people are just concerned about themselves, and others are concerned, but don't know what to do. I'm going to spend my time dealing with what to do!" And that she did throughout her life! Although she distinguished herself in her career and extracurricular activities, perhaps Jennie saved the best for her family. In the days of disposable marriages, she was happily married for 42 years until her beloved Tom passed in 1986. She sewed beautifully, played softball with gusto, encouraged her children in academic pursuits, while cooking the most scrumptious meals prepared gourmet style with vegetables and herbs from her own well-tended garden. Jennie Howard Washington has been a major influence on the lives of numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren, along with many others, some of whom knew her as their wonderful "Grandma Cookie". Above all, Jennie wanted her family members to "be the best that they can be." Our beloved, Jennie Mae Howard Washington, went home to be with her Lord September 30, 2015. She leaves to forever cherish her memory. a mighty host that consists of the following: her children, Celia Washington, Carol Robinson, and Gary Washington; grandchildren: Nadim Salim, Salim Salim, Ashaki Robinson Johns, Carmen Washington, Carol Washington, Antonio Mack, Esther Washington, David Washington, Shara Washington, Shameir Washington, Shenda Washington, Marisa Washington, Phoenix Washington, Josiah Thurber, Saaryn Washington; great grandchildren: DeQuandre Mack, Camryn Mack, Sole' Mack, Levi Johns, Teygan Johns, Sariyah Hawkins, Benjamin Washington, Sebastion Washington, Margaret Washington; great, great grandchildren: Xzayvian Mack and Noah Mack; nieces and nephews, Richard Washington, Hayward (Jeffrey) Howard, Bruce Howard, Myra Washington-Scaife, Melvin Washington, Kendra Howard. Jennie is loved and will also be missed by her many friends and co-workers and extended family members, but especially by her dear daughters-in-law: Nadia Washington, Marya Washington-Tyler, SaLiza Barber-Washington and Sue Ann Lee. Her light will shine through the generations as she is remembered for her high energy and compassion in the cause of fairness and justice.