Pastor Ronnie Dale Washington, of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Grambling, La., passed away Aug. 12, 2018. Pastor Washington’s teachings demonstrated the proper way to worship, love, and praise Jesus Christ.
Washington was born July 16, 1960. Washington was the youngest of all his siblings, and a native of Winnsboro, La., and he was called and ordained to minister at 20-years-old.
Throughout his years of ministry, Washington touched several people, one of those being Grambling State University student Shametrashun Walker.
“Pastor Washington’s ministry was designed to equip the twenty-first-century believers to do the work of the ministry until we all come into the unity of faith,” said Walker. “Pastor Washington was truly an anointed man sent by God.
He was a very generous man and did not hesitate to help people in need. When I needed somewhere to stay, Pastor Washington donated funds and offered a helping hand and spoke to me about being involved by voting and fighting for what you want.”
His first mission was at the Saint Savior Baptist Church, and Shady Grove Baptist Church in Natchitoches, La. Washington’s pastoral service includes purchasing land for Family Life Center, renovations to the modern facility, organizing Revelation Nu Vision Ministries, a non-profit organization, finding and organizing New Generation Baptist Church, and more.
Many people have reflected on Washington’s life, and how he has impacted those around him. Minister Dawanna Dean, of Mount Olive Baptist Church, spoke emotionally about Washington’s legacy.
“Pastor Ronnie Washington, my friend, my spiritual father, my brother in Christ. He was one who preached the truth, lived truth and believed in forgiving and loving a person into the kingdom of God.
I truly admired him for his strength, his kindness, his honesty, and his dedication to come Wednesday after Wednesday and Sunday after Sunday to teach, preach and set a marginal of Faith, Hope, and Love to this congregation.
I treasure every memory I experienced under his leadership as one of the most knowledgeable leaders of the gospel I know. He loved his wife, his church, his family, and most of all he loved God. I can truly say he was a man who labored in love and this community misses him in many ways.”
He served as a pastor of several churches for 43 years. He leaves behind a powerful legacy: his wife Moroline Sanders-Washington, and his eight children, Lataya S. Powell, T’Neicia Washington, Melody (Marco) Hill, Terrence Powell, Eric (Keidra) Pleasant, Bradlen (Carlaona) Holden, Diamond (Regina) Washington, Benjamin Hoffman.
Mount Olive Baptist Church of Grambling and its community at large are mourning the loss with the passing of Pastor Ronnie D. Washington. Pastor Washington gave his life and service through Christ to the people of Grambling and others, at his rest he was 58-years-old.