Lula Mae Washington, 99, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Madison Care Rehabilitation Center in Odessa. Born on March 29, 1927, in Nacogdoches, Texas, Lula was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Erving. She was the middle child among five children, with two older brothers and two younger brothers. Lula and her brothers spent their early years surrounded by faith, family, school, and church. She was baptized at the age of thirteen at Countyline Baptist Church.

On March 6, 1946, Lula happily married Ray Washington, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Their union was blessed with seven children, and they shared 66 years of marriage until Ray’s passing in 2012.

Lula graduated from E. J. Campbell High School in Nacogdoches, Texas. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas College in Tyler, Texas; a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University with 30 hours above her master’s degree; a master’s degree in Denton, Texas; and she also attended the Laboratory School at the National Baptist U.S.A., Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri.

A devoted educator, Lula taught school for a total of 39 years: 6 years in Nacogdoches and Vernon, Texas, and 33 years in the Ector County Independent School District. She earned four lifetime Texas Teachers’ Certificates.

After moving to Odessa in 1958, she joined Greater St. John Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. L. H. Hall. She remained a faithful member for 68 years, and the church continues today under the leadership of Rev. E. J. Miller.

Lula was a true pillar of her community. Her service included Dean of Christian Education, Dean in the National Young People’s Department, and active work in the B.M. & E. State Convention. She served faithfully in the Mission, the State and National Youth departments, and taught both Sunday School and B.T.U. for many years. She was Director of the Area Youth Movement in Ector County. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Pool/White House and the Phyllis Wheatley Nursery and was a proud member of the Odessa Social Civic & Art Club.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Washington; her son, Curtis Ray Washington; and her daughter, Vannie Traylor.

She leaves to cherish her memory: three daughters: Patt Washington of Odessa, TX; Joyce Williams (Larry) of Houston, TX; and Rose Washington of Odessa, TX; two sons: Eddie B. Washington (Sharon) of Houston, TX; and Valentine A. Washington of Midland, TX; fifteen grandchildren, six great‑grandchildren, two great‑great‑grandchildren, one adopted son, one adopted grandson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Viewing will be Friday June 26, 2026, from 9am-10am at Greater St John’s Baptist Church 212 S Muskingum Ave Odessa, TX 79761.

Celebration of Life is set for 10am Friday June 26, 2026, at Greater St John’s Baptist Church with Rev E.J. Miller presiding.

Burial will follow at Ector County Cemetery in the Peaceful Garden section.

She touched countless lives through her dedication to teaching. Lula sincerely loved people, and her work with children was among her greatest joys. She thanked God for what He had been and all He had done for her. Above all, she always said: “I am a Child of the King.”