Annie Belle Washington

Annie Belle Washington, age 101, went to be with the Lord December 24, 2010. She was born in Aubrey, Arkansas June 30, 1909 to the late James and Eliza Hunter Smith.

Mrs. Washington moved to Searcy in the early 1930's, and became a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she actively served in the choir, Circle #1, and the Ladies Missionary Society, until her health failed her. Grannybelle, as we all called her, lived a life of charity, tranquility, and fortitude. First, she loved God. Her overflowing love for God spilled over to all that met her and surely they became, or should have become, a better person for meeting her. She had a magnificent sense of peace. Everyone that knew her were often rewarded with a quick wit and a sense of "everything is gonna be alright". For at least as long as we were in her presence, whatever problems we had seemed to melt away, at least for a little while. Finally, Grannybelle had a sense of strength that would match many of the great women in the Bible. While she lived in a different time, her struggles were just as hard, her obstacles were just as wide, and her tears were just as real. However, she led a life built on a Cornerstone of Faith, Love of God, and the Salvation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though no books have been written about this great woman, the life she lived will be the greatest story ever told.

She was married to Daniel Hunt Washington Sr. until separated by his death in 1975. She is also preceded in death by one son, Daniel H. Washington Jr. and one daughter, Mary Louise Clay.

She is survived by four sons, James Adair, V. Porter, Douglas Audell, and Timothy Washington; two daughters, Katherine Brunson and Dorothy Jean King; twenty seven grandchildren, forty-two great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home Thursday, December 30, from 6-8 p.m.

A home going service will be held Friday December 31 at 11 a.m. in the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Searcy with the Rev. Don Crampton officiating with contributions from Rev. H.D. Clay, Rev. Jerry McClure, Pastor Elise West and Rev. James Hart.

Interment will follow in the Oaklawn Memorial Gardens under the direction of Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home.