88S40596 BPG-D
By: Davis H.R. No. 43
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of Bernice Jones Washington on November 11, 2023, at the age
of 73; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Sarah Blacksher Jones and James
Jones, the former Bernice Jones was born in Shreveport, Louisiana,
on November 16, 1949; she earned her bachelor's degree in
microbiology and medical technology from Southern University in
Baton Rouge, where she joined the Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa
Alpha Sorority; after completing her MBA at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City, she married her college sweetheart, Lymon
Washington Jr., in 1973; they became the proud parents of two
children, Andrea Renee and Michael Benjamin; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Washington was employed by Bayer Healthcare
for 38 years; known for her ability to connect with people both
professionally and personally, she excelled as a regional marketing
manager; later, she became owner and CEO of Urgent Care clinics and
president and CEO of BJW Consulting Group, a motivational speaker
company; she addressed audiences across the United States and
abroad, and she offered commentary on national TV and in such
publications as Southern Living and Jet; and
WHEREAS, Admired as a force of nature, Mrs. Washington was a
member of the boards of more than six dozen organizations, among
them the DFW Airport Board, the Regional Transportation Council of
North Texas, and the Texas Healthcare Trustees; she served as
president of the board of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of
Plano; in addition, she was a member of the Plano North Metroplex
Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, for a quarter century; she
volunteered and raised funds for Southern University, the NAACP,
the Leadership Texas Alumnae Association, and local and national
political campaigns; engaged in civil and human rights activism as
well, she fought anti-Semitism, homophobia, and discrimination
against women; she also held leadership roles at St. Luke Community
United Methodist Church, and she was instrumental in establishing
the Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Community Outreach Center; and
WHEREAS, Bernice Jones Washington made a lasting, positive
difference through her wide-ranging contributions, and those she
left behind will forever treasure their memories of her vibrant
personality and tremendous kindness; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Bernice Jones Washington and extend sincere condolences to the
members of her family: to her husband, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.)
Lymon Washington Jr.; to her children, Andrea Renee Wallace and her
husband, James, and Michael Benjamin Washington; to her
grandchildren, Alexander James and Adriana Sloan Wallace; to her
siblings, Dorothy Jones Williams and her husband, Roy, Billy George
Jones, and McKinley Young; to her best friend, Wilma "Teen" Flucas;
and to her many other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bernice
Jones Washington.