Maggie Bell Washington

Maggie Bell Purdie-Washington, a beacon of kindness, humor, and strength, passed away on June 12,  2023, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Born on June 22, 1943, in Bladen County, North Carolina, to the late Ed and Estella Robinson-Purdie,  she lived a vibrant life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Maggie is preceded in death by her children Alford  Washington Jr and James Washington, granddaughter: Patrice Lewis, and great-granddaughter: Ny’zearah McMillian. Siblings: Mammie Hill (Rudolph), Phil Purdie (Geneva), Addie Wright (Wilbert), Louise Evans (Glen), Anselow Purdie (Norma), Alfonza Purdie (Lela), Thomas Purdie (Clara), Ed Jr. Purdie (Ola Mae), James Purdie, Marylena Washington (George).Brother-in-law: Donald Riggins 

Maggie’s journey began as a student in the Bladen County  School System. This early foundation led her to a full career at Osterneck in Lumberton, North Carolina. Later in life, she channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into a successful yard  selling venture. 

A deeply spiritual woman, Maggie was an integral part of  the Millers Chapel United Methodist Church community.  She sang in the choir, served on the usher board, and was  recognized as the Mother of the Church. Her faith was a  wellspring of joy and served as a guiding star throughout her  life. 

Married to the Late Alford Lloyd Washington, Sr., she raised  six wonderful children in an atmosphere of fun, love, and  games. Whether it was playing softball in the front yard or  staying up all night gaming on Donkey and Super Mario Brothers, her joyous spirit shone bright. An outdoor lover, Maggie spent her happiest moments fishing or tending to her beloved yard. Her love for goldfish and her  devotion to raising chickens and geese was a testament to  her nurturing spirit.  Maggie never failed to find the humor in life. She had an  infectious laughter that could light up any room, and her  ability to make jokes and not take herself too seriously was  a gift that many admired.  Maggie, we also celebrate her life – one filled with love,  laughter, and an enduring spirit of joy. Maggie was a people person with a big heart who never met  a stranger. She treated everyone with kindness and respect.  She extended her love and care to others, babysitting for  numerous children over the year. Her love, kindness, and  humor have left a lasting mark on all who had the fortune to  know her, and she will be deeply missed.  

She leaves to cherish her memories sister, Juanita Riggins of St. Pauls, NC, brothers, Willie Purdie (Patricia) of St. Pauls, NC, Theodore Lewis (Ruby) of Dillon, SC, and sister in-law: Mable Purdie of Hope Mills, NC. Children: Donald Washington (Patricia) of Lumberton, NC, Marena Currie (Patrick) of St. Pauls, NC, Mamie  Washington Harvey of the Home, and Janet McMillan  (Quentin) of Fayetteville, NC. Grandchildren: Brittany Jackson, Victoria Lesane, Fuquan McMillan, Atif McMillian, Fateema McMillan, Le’Patrick Currie, Omar Currie, Gabrielle Currie, Alford Washington III, Ashely Washington, Nicholas Washington, Gravity Pinkney, Cassandra Chittams (Ricardo), Koreisha  Sanders (Jamie), Kristuan Baldwin, Ja’Morian Washington,  Shaniqua Fields, Joshua McMillan, and Estella McMillian. Great-grandchildren: Kamari McNeill, Camille Jackson, Zion McMillian, Ny’eemah McNair, Ureena McNair, Ny’deem McMillan, Noah Hartley, Jada McMillan, Javon Clark, Kelvin Thompson, Jomara Thompson, A’myra Bracey, Kaydence Bracey, Kamari Chittams, Xhi’Ion Moore, Nevah Fields, Trinity Reid, Aloni Stubbs, Laila Stubbs, Z’nya Fields. Special nieces: Lizzie Best, Patricia McNeill (Lloyd) and Adriane Williams (Lacy). Special great niece: Kayla Best (Donnell). Special great nephew: Jayden Codgell. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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