Page 3 - Syeludia Blankenship Washington Funeral Program_Digital

Syeludia Blankenship Washington also known
as Red, Snooke, and MaMa, was the 3rd child
of 12 children born to Henry Lee Blankenship
and Viola Harris Blankenship on June 29,1936. She was the 2nd sister of 7 sisters and 5 brothers. Actually, she was also the 2nd mother to the 9 younger siblings. She was the babysitter, cook, teacher, and sometimes disciplinarian especially to those 2 sets of rambunctious twins and sassy younger sisters. The Blankenship home was filled with love, laugher, and the world-famous Buck Blankenship BBQ. Most importantly, the Blankenship family loved the Lord and governed themselves accordantly.
She was educated in the Caddo Parish School System where she joined her siblings and met many lifelong friends including her husband General Washington, Jr. who was the father of her 5 children.
Syeludia lived a virtuous life devoted to God. She served as the Union Chapel Baptist Church Secretary for many years. Her name and years of service are permanently sealed onto the church building as a dedication to her service. She was a faithful member of Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church until her death.
She was hard working and filled with wisdom and kindness. Invited to her table for a delicious meal, she would slide in some life lessons neatly packaged as takeaways. Her kindness was so genuine and in abundance, you continued to realize the fulfillment of her encouraging words years after spoken.
Although she was generous, she often said, “Money doesn’t spoil” she believed in managing her resources as a means of elevation.
Syeludia enjoyed sports, game shows and taking pictures. She also enjoyed wearing her Sunday best during the middle of the week. A classic suit with red lipstick was her signature look. Most of all, she loved her children and ensured that they represented her when they walked out of the front door. She believed as Jousha and instilled as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
Most of her career, she was employed with Louisiana State University (LSU) Cooperative Extension Service as a Nutritionist visiting homes on behalf of the state ensuring that children received a proper balanced diet. She also utilized her skillset learned while growing up on the family’s country farm to demonstrate the wonders of transforming little into more with minimum resources for the betterment of the family. She retired at the tender age of 58 years old from LSU after 26 years of employment.
At 8:00am Friday morning, September 5, 2025, God was looking down from heaven, surveying His kingdom and His eyes fell on His child. She was not only patiently waiting for 89 years for His return, she also prepared for Him way back as a young girl growing up in Belcher, Louisiana when she was baptized in the Black Bayou and gave her life to Christ. With a smile on His face, His big heart was touched. Jesus took His own hand, wiped away her final tears, closed her eyes, lifted her into His arms, and gently rocked her to sleep, while saying, “Come go home with me, enter into the pearly gates and take your rest my faithful servant”. She is peacefully resting in the bosom of Jesus.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Hattie Forbes, 4 brothers David Blankenship, Roosevelt Blankenship, D.W. Blankenship, Alfred Blankenship, and sister-in-law Geraldine Blankenship.
Syeludia leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life 28 Descendants: 3 Sons: David Blankenship of Mesquite, TX, Donald (Althea) Washington of Balch Springs, TX and Michael (Devonne) Washington of Dallas, TX. 2 Daughters: Olean Williams of Bossier City, LA and Doris Washington of Frisco, TX. 4 Grandsons: Kelvin (Kena) Douglas of Kileen, TX, Brian (Kasmine) Williams of Campti, LA, Donald Washington, Jr. (Whitley) of Rockwall, TX, and Jordan Washington of Dallas, TX. 4 Granddaughters: Tammy (Anthony) Abernathy of Rowlett, TX, Melisa (Lamar) Ware of Mesquite, TX, Amber Washington of Sachse, TX and Michaela Washington of Chicago, IL. 9 Great Grandsons: Kelvin Douglas, Lamar Ware, Jr., Jason Williams, Ashton Williams, Donta Ware, Alan Abernathy, Kaden Douglas, Austin Abernathy, and Carlson Williams. 5 Great Granddaughters: Desiree Ware, Alivia Abernathy, Brielle Williams, Mia Washington, and Olivia Washington. 1 Great Great Grandson: King Douglas. 6 Siblings: 1 Brother: Ashton (Lois) Blankenship of Oil City, LA. 5 Sisters: Vera (L.D) Edwards of West Corvina, CA, Daisy Dennis of Belcher, LA, Hazel Buffin of Oakland, CA, Minnie Magee of Los Angeles, CA, Lucille (Dennis) Patterson of Scottsdale, AZ and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her dearly.