Alberta Washington

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith!” 2 Timothy 4:7

Alberta Gossett Washington departed this earthly life on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at her home on 147 Leroy Gossett Road, Union, SC. She was born on July 27, 1935, the third of six children, to the late James Gossett, II, and the late Sephia Ann Cheek Gossett. She attended the schools in Union County and graduated from Sims High School.

Alberta (also known as Polly or Sister Washington) was a dedicated member of the Bethesda Baptist Church until her health declined. She was active as a trustee’s wife (the late Brother Calvin Washington), a member and secretary of the Missionary Auxiliary, a Youth Sunday School Teacher, a Vacation Bible School Teacher, a Member of the Senior/Jubilee Choir, and a member and former secretary of the Voices of Faith Gospel Singers. She received awards for Sunday School Teacher Emeritus and Trustee's Wife Emeritus. She has served as secretary and treasurer of Johnson Chapter No. 305, Order of the Eastern Star in Santuc, SC. Alberta recently received an award from the Prince Hall Grand Chapter of the State of SC for 50 years of service in the OES.

She was a 1960 graduate of Benedict College with a degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, she taught in the elementary schools in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and continued further studies at Penn State University. She also taught at Jonesville Elementary School in Union County and Estill Elementary School in Estill, SC (Hampton County). It was at Estill Elementary that Alberta and the present Grand Worthy Matron, Sister Mary M. Ennis,  became acquainted because they were employed at the same school.

Alberta possessed a genuine love for God, her family, her church family, relatives, children, and friends. She would not hesitate to lend a helping hand when needed without expecting anything in return. We take comfort in knowing that Alberta is now at peace.

In addition to her parents, Alberta was preceded in death by her husband, Trustee Calvin Washington; three brothers, Johnnie Gossett, James Gossett, III, and Deacon Leroy Gossett. She is survived by one daughter, Pamela Martin-Smith (Lee) of the home; two sisters, Elizabeth Gossett Jeter, and Mary Ann Gossett Gist; seven nieces, Latrelle Gist-Washington (Quinton), Teresa Gage (Billy Ray), Brenda Rice, Minister Jannie Gist, Johnnie Mae Byrd Walker (Alfred), Marcella Gossett, and Teresa Gossett; six nephews, John Marcus Gist, Robert Bernard Gossett (Hope), Danny Ray Gossett (Annette), Robert Rice, Lee Anthony Gossett, and Michael Freeman. She is blessed with a host of great nieces, great nephews, relatives, and friends.  

. The family will receive friends at 147 Leroy Gossett Road, Union, SC. Arrangements are with Community Mortuary, 361 Meansville Road, Union, SC.

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