Blanche Helen Washington

Blanche Johnson Penn-Washington was born to William and Adele Johnson in Columbus, Ohio on July 28, 1928. Her big brother, William H. Johnson, preceded her, but her little brother Edwin (Freddie) Johnson was her Prince. She married Thomas H. Penn, Jr., who gave her 5 lovely children: Tamara (Wesley) Ingram, Thomas A. Penn, who preceded her, Edwin (Arnieze) Penn, Damon (Patricia) Penn, and Audra Penn. This family shared love and happiness. She later married (at age 65) Roosevelt Washington, Jr. with whom she traveled widely and enjoyed just being Blanche. She lost both husbands, but lived to enjoy her sweet grandchildren: Steven (Sara) Williams, Anne Williams, Thomas (Destini) Snodgrass and Bianca Moore. Blanche leaves 8 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren who called her “Big Nanna.” Her nieces and nephews as well as the grands know her love for them knew no bounds. Two sisters-in-law: Janice (John) Grant and Sadie Matthews gave her sweet times and laughs. Her church was an anchor that provided love, strength and compassion. As she transitions, let there be love and laughter, tears, but a few; for she loved, laughed, cried, prayed and knew God’s blessings every day.