Ms. Sarah McDougal Washington, 84, of Petersburg, Virginia, entered eternal rest early Monday morning, February 16, 2026.  She was born on November 20, 1941, to the late Cary Reid and Annie P. Reid.

Sarah was a devoted and proud member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Hopewell, Virginia, where she found great joy in worship, fellowship, serving as a Deaconess and singing in the choir alongside her beloved church family.

Throughout her life, Sarah was known for her strong work ethic and caring spirit. She was employed at Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company and Seward Luggage, and she later dedicated herself to serving others as an exceptional home healthcare worker. Her compassion and warmth touched many lives.

Sarah embraced life fully and enjoyed many hobbies. She loved fishing, traveling, taking cruises, and visiting the casino. She took pride in her garden, nurturing her flowers, tomato plants, and collard greens with care. She was also known for baking her famous Sock-It-To-Me Cake and for  beautifully decorating her home. Above all, Sarah treasured the time she spent with her family and church community.

Sarah leaves to cherish her loving memory to her children, Debera Walker, Terri Wheeler (James), and Carlos Wynn (Vickie); nine grandchildren, Kewanee Wynn, Krystal Walker, Whitney Walker, Ashley Wynn, Malik Wheeler, Tariq Wynn, Ciera Wynn, Shanee Wynn, and Tiera Wynn; twelve great grandchildren, Jordyn Walker, Jaylen Walker, Devin Walker, Ny'Von Wynn, Nymier Hayes, Milan Hayes, Jayce Johnson, Niko Johnson, Mekhai Wheeler, Z'Morae Wynn, Travis Moore, Jr., and Kylee Tucker; one brother, Cary Reid, Jr.; three sister, Paulette Reid, Jacqueline Green and Phyllis Reid; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Sarah was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin Washington, Sr.; her son, Nathaniel Lee Wynn; her granddaughter, Erin J. Walker; her sisters, Annette Williams and Anna "Tootsie" Reid; and her brother, Irvin Livington.

Sarah's legacy of love, faith, strength, and devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of all who know and loved her.

The family extends special thanks to the Walker Family, Dinwiddie Health & Rehabilitation Center and Trinity Hospice Care for their compassion, support and care during this time.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, February 27, 2026, at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery, 750 Page Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. William Roberts, eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5759325?fl=so&fe=fs

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