Obituary of Bonita Cheryl Washington-Anderson

Bonita Cheryl Washington-Anderson was born October 30, 1954 to the late William and Evelyn Washington. She received her education at Douglas High School in Columbia, MO. She started college at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO and received her Associates Degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Bonita moved to Virginia in the early 70s to help her sister care for her daughter. Bonita began working as an Administrative Assistant for the US Catholic Conference (USCC) in Washington, DC, now known as the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.  Years later she was promoted to Grant Analyst, where she was successful in reviewing many grant proposals, visiting site locations across the southeast region of the US, and determining grant decisions. Throughout her years with the USCC, Bonita met many coworkers who became close friends. She retired from USCC in 2014.

Bonita accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. She grew up singing in her church choir at St Paul AME Church in Columbia, MO. When Bonita moved to Virginia, she attended Martin Luther King Baptist Church in Reston Va.  Later, joined and became a member of Heritage Fellowship Church in Reston, Va.  Bonita worked within the Agape Resource Center, Heritage Childcare Nursery, and served as a part time receptionist. Bonita was always willing to help with church activities and events, especially during the holidays.  

Bonita is survived by two children, Robert (LaShana) Washington – Anderson of Gainesville, VA and Amber (John) Washington – Anderson of Glen Burnie, MD; one brother, Larry Washington of Kansas City, MO; two sisters Billye Jean Ballenger of Los Angeles, CA and Connie Gilbert of Reston, VA; two beautiful grandchildren, Xavier and Jayden Washington – Anderson, a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Her two parents, 3 brothers, and 1 sister preceded her in death.

Flowers can be sent to Heritage Fellowship Church at 2501 Fox Mill Rd, Reston VA 20191.