Mary Lena Washington, affectionately called Lockie by her late husband and children, transitioned to her heavenly home on Friday afternoon, May 18, 2018 at the Laurel of Forest Glen in Garner, North Carolina, where she was a resident for several years. Mary was born on January 14, 1933 in Bladen County to the late Frank Purdie and Mazie Cogdell. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Reverend Nathaniel Washington, Sr. and the union was blessed with seven children, five boys and two girls. Three of the boys, Ricky, Larry and Thomas preceded their parents in death. At an early age, Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She remained a faithful servant until the ravages of dementia shut away her voice and her passions in life. As a member of Second Baptist Church, Fayetteville, North Carolina, she dedicated her time to the Usher Board. In later years, the Washington family worshiped at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her devotion to the will of God-was paramount as she worked tirelessly and traveled many miles in support of her late husbands call to be a shepherd to God’s people. Mary was a steadfast co-pilot for her husband until God called him home in 2004. She retired after twenty years of service at Elk Cotton Mill, Hope Mills, North Carolina and many years of service at Smitty’s Cleaners, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Mary leaves her precious memories to be forever treasured in the hearts of: her sister, Ms. Annie Mae Jackson (Edward) of Sanford, NC; two sons, Jerry Pone (Wanda) of Lumberton, NC and Nathaniel, Jr. (Janice) of Raleigh, NC; two daughters, Lena Ellis (Ronnie) of Mary Esther, FL and Delois Fairconeture of Newport News, VA; eleven grandchildren, Nikita (Joe), Robert (Tomika), Thomas, Denita, Lillian, Maia (Ajay), Lynnette, Michael (Chiquita), Jason, Larry and Paul, Jr.; twenty-one great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and special friends.