Mrs. Annie Ruth Bell Washington was born November 16, 1934 in Winston-Salem, NC to Willie and Rebecca Bell. She departed this life on March 25, 2015 at Forsyth Medical Center. She spent most of her life in Newport News, VA. While living in Winston-Salem she worked as a pathologist lab technician at Baptist Hospital. Later she became a childcare provider for over 30 years where she was known as "Nana". She was a faithful member of Bethania AME Zion Church where she served on the Deaconess Stewardess and Missionary Board.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by four loving sisters, Mary Caldwell, Berinia Kennedy, Thomasina Pittman, and Vertina Baskerville; and one loving brother, Horace Willie Bell.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 43 years, James "BB" Washington; six wonderful and loving children, Carlton (Charleator) Binns of W-S, NC, Larry (Marcia) Binns of Newport News, VA, Yvette and Denise Binns of Phoenix, AZ, Pearl Washington and Kenya (Lewis) Brown of W-S, NC; two loving and caring sisters, Jeanette Russell of Los Angeles, CA and Naomi (Leroy) Logan of Lady Smith, VA; one loving and caring brother, Howard Lee "Dickie" (Rosetta) Bell of Newport News, VA; 17 loving grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; a wonderful sister-in-law, Willena Alsbrook; wonderful caregivers, Mollie McClain and Mr. & Mrs. Freddie (Patricia) Wilson and family; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other special friends. She in greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a beautiful person on Earth now she is a beautiful angel with her heavenly father. Thank you Lord for the 80 beautiful years her life blessed and touched others. Now we know her soul is resting in the arms of the Lord and it is such a blessing. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah, to a wonderful wife, mother, "NaNa", grandmother, and sister. You are free!

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Bethania AME Zion Church with Rev. Dr. Karen Roberts Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethania AME Zion Church Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Thursday at the Church.