Obituary of Marion Rachal Washington

Marion Rachal Washington, known affectionately as "Madea", was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana to the late Eugene Rachal and Susie Wade Rachal on December 14, 1924. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. She received her formal education in Natchitoches. Marion was raised in a Christian home as one of nine children. Both parents preceded her in death, as well as three brothers, Arey Rachal, Rev. H.P. Rachal and James Rachal, two sisters, Bessie Wilson and Mary Lee Glover, and daughter-in-law Janet Washington. Marion met, fell in love with, and married James Clarence Comick of Natchitoches, Louisiana on December 7, 1941. To their union, three children were born - James Clarence Comick Jr.(Chicken), Betty Comick and Annie Mae Comick. This marriage was dissolved, however; they remained friends until his death in December 1993. On June 20,1951, Marion married the love of her life, Alfred Washington. To this union six children were born. Three daughters: Margaret, Ann and Lucille (Boobie). Three sons: Alfred (Sonny), Eugene (Ray) and Darrel (Bruce). She also mothered and helped raise two other children, her niece, Jeannette (Jeannie) and grandson, Greg. In 1956, the family relocated to Seaside, California and lived at 1662 Kenneth Street for 57 years. Marion was a loving and devoted wife for 53 years to Alfred, until his death on June 8, 2005 and was the last living original resident on Kenneth Street. Marion received her vocational license in nursing and supervised three vocational nurses who provided 24 hour care in Carmel, California. She was a hard and diligent worker for more than 20 years helping to support her family. As an obedient servant of the Lord, she joined the Community Missionary Baptist Church where the late Rev. U.S. Metters was pastor. Marion served as President of the Combined and Adult Choirs for over 25 years at the Community M.B. Church, the Church Clerk for more than 20 years, and was an active member of the Women's Missionary Union(WMU) for over 30 years. She was a faithful Deaconess and member of the Mothers' Board, attended Sunday School, BTU, and was involved in outreach programs as well as other church functions. Marion loved her church and remained to the end a faithful believer. Marion Rachal Washington leaves behind to cherish her memory, Five daughters ~ Betty, Annie, Margaret, Ann and Lucille; Four sons ~ James, Sonny, Ray and Bruce; Two other children ~ Jeannette and Greg; Five Son-in-Laws ~ Bill, Clarence, Donald, Jeff and Ron; Two Brothers ~ Murrell and Charles; One Sister ~ Jessie Mae; Six Sister-in-Laws ~ Alma, Francis, Jackie, Mary, Norma Jean and Veronica; Three god-daughters ~ Danielle, Diane and Elaine; 19 Grandchildren, 28 Great-Grandchildren, One Great-Great Grandchild; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends and the entire Community Missionary Baptist Church family. Marion will always be fondly remembered for her kind, gentle and loving spirit... A very special THANK YOU! to Bev Cato and Nala Vi, who cared for our mother the past three years. ALL of the other caregivers THANK YOU! we appreciated your caring and skilled services. May the Lord God Bless and keep All of You.