Funeral services for Joseph H. Washington, conducted by the Rev. Warren Murdock, Sr., were held Saturday, January 19, 2013, at Friendship United Methodist Church of Nesmith. Burial, directed by Nesmith-Pinckney Funeral, followed at Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery of Nesmith.

Mr. Washington died Wednesday, January 16, 2013. He was born May 3, 1911, in Nesmith, the son of the late Daniel and Zilpher Washington. He was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, where he served as church secretary, class leader, Sunday school teacher, President of United Methodist Men, Chairperson Church Council (formerly Administrative Board), Chairperson of Evangelism, and a member of The Nesmith Concerned Citizen. He was educated at Burrows McCutcheon Elementary, and Brown Elementary and High School. He later furthered his education at Voorhees College of Denmark. He was a farmer. He was an agriculture advisor of Williamsburg O.E.O. He delivered Meals on Wheels, was instrumental in organizing and conducting a very successful Swine Program. He was active in The Nesmith Branch of the NAACP, served as secretary, treasurer, and president. He was very successful to obtain the first bus in Williamsburg County for Black children. He was a member of five lodges, serving as Worshipful Master of New Hope Lodges #318, also served as a Worthy Patron and a member of the Beacon Light Chapter O.E.S. #218 for more than 60 years.

He was married to the late Isabella Pressley Washington. Three children preceded him in death. Survivors are: two sons, Booker T. Washington (Ann) of New Castle, Delaware; and George Washington (Laura V.) of Nesmith; one raised as a son, James E. Nesmith of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; three daughters, Ella Shaw (James) of Delmar, Maryland; Betty (Mack) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Lula M. Wilson of Nesmith; 31 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren; and 21 great-great-grandchildren.