By Josh Beavers
Kevin Washington was many things. A father. A husband. An educator. A fighter. But above all, Kevin Washington was a man of God.
As pastor of Greater New Bethel AME Church in Springhill, Washington spent countless hours in the pulpit and out in the community spreading the Good News as well as his church’s motto “Catch The Vision, Come Claim The Victory With Us.”
He saved lives in the schoolhouse and out of it. He guided hundreds to achieve victories in their own lives. Sometimes the victories were small. And sometimes those victories were life-changing.
That’s what makes what happened on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, so tough for all the people who knew him. You see, Mr. Washington, the assistant superintendent of Webster Parish schools, left this Earthly plane following a brief illness. He was 58 years old.
Webster Parish Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland expressed deep sorrow at the loss of his colleague and friend. “Mr. Washington was beloved and highly respected by scores of people that knew him,” Rowland said. “I am proud to say he was not only a colleague, but a dear friend.”
Similar sentiments are being shared all across the nation as word of Mr. Washington’s passing continues to spread through social media.
The Journal’s announcement of Mr. Washington’s passing has been shared hundreds of times with thousands of comments being made as word spreads.
Going through all of the kind sentiments would be nearly impossible, but I wanted to highlight a few of the message that stood out:
LeJon Johnson: “Thank you for your selfless service. We truly appreciate the vital role you played for your thousands of students and people every day. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Sherri M. Neal: “A TRUE MAN OF GOD.”
DeLisa Yates: “This man kept his family’s legacy alive by being there for the community in many important ways, especially spiritually. I pray that our community continues on by being there for one another and choosing to make a difference.”
K.J Mona Harrris: “So saddened by his passing but happy to have been able to call him Pastor and Friend. The love, respect, and relationship he had with my dad and grandfather was phenomenal and beautiful and I must say my family also. He’ll be missed by many in every aspect of his life because we all know. “What a Life He Lived, Preached, Song, Taught, Inspired, Helped, etc” but in Heaven, many are Rejoicing. God Bless and comfort, Sister Debbie, Kaylaan, Family, New Bethel and all that this Great Man of God has left here. Rest Pastor/Friend.”
Igoby West: “I wouldn’t have made it through 11th grade without him.”
Nicole Walton Thompson: “Pastor you will be greatly missed at Greater New Bethel. Praying for strength for your wife and daughter. You get your rest. God picked a beautiful flower out of his garden. Bethel won’t be the same without you but I thank God for the mighty words of wisdom that you have bestowed upon my ears and my heart.”
In addition to his duties as assistant superintendent, Mr. Washington, a native of Springhill, served as the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance for the district. Superintendent Rowland praised Washington’s dedication to all students, regardless of their background.
“Mr. Washington was a fierce advocate for ALL students. Ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status did not matter to him,” the superintendent told me.
As the district’s hearing officer, Washington was known for his fair and compassionate approach. “He consistently treated families with class and dignity,” Rowland noted. “Over the years I had several parents make a point to inform me how much they appreciated the way Mr. Washington treated them during meetings.”
Washington was deeply rooted in the Webster Parish community. Both of his parents were employees of the school system, with his father, Jonathan, serving as principal of Brown Middle School for many years. A proud alumnus of the Webster Parish School System, Washington graduated from Springhill High School in 1983, where he played defensive tackle on the Lumberjack football team.
“Mr. Washington loved Webster Parish and seeing our students achieve great things brought him much joy and satisfaction,” Rowland said.
The Webster Parish School Board has extended heartfelt condolences to Washington’s wife, Debbie, and their daughter, Kaylaan.
Rowland concluded, “Mr. Kevin Washington was a true public servant and he will be sorely missed.”
And the Journal can well see, Mr. Washington helped countless people of all ages “Catch The Vision” as he led them to “Come Claim The Victory With Us.”
Well done thy good and faithful servant. You will be missed.