We celebrate the life of our beloved Anita Marie Washington knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Anita's life began with her birth to Rupert Roosevelt Whitehead and Mary Pearl Whitehead (both deceased) on Monday, November 14, 1955 in Key West, Monroe County, Florida. She completed most of her education on the small island of Key West. Her parents relocated their family to Orlando, Florida in 1969 where she attended Jones High School.

When Anita was a child, some of her favorite past times were shooting marbles, playing hopscotch, playing with her dolls and playing jacks. She also learned to sew as she grew older and began sewing many of her school clothes as a teenager. A few of Anita's hobbies included shopping, sewing, cooking and baking her homemade cakes.

Anita became a mother to her oldest daughter at the age of 18. Later that year, Anita met the love of her life, George Washington, who is also a native of her hometown, Key West, Florida. The following year, the two became one when they married on September 6, 1975. The union expanded her role as a mother to two stepchildren. Once married, she returned to live in Key West with her husband. One year later, their union flourished with the birth of their youngest daughter.

In May 1976, Anita began working for Winn Dixie in the deli and bakery departments. Anita remained a dedicated employee of Winn Dixie for 20 years before retiring during their bicentennial year. She then worked briefly for the Key West Convalescent Center as a Dietician from 1996-1998 before retiring at the age of 42. She was very proud of her accomplishments while working, but was overjoyed when she retired.

While living in Key West, Anita was a faithful member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. This is the church she attended as a child and served on the Usher's Board in her adult life. She was also a member of the Coral City Elks Lodge #400 until she relocated to Orlando, Florida upon her retirement in 1998.

Anita became a member of the Mount Olive AME Church in Orlando, Florida in 1999. She faithfully attended the services with joy and formed many friendships with her fellow laborers in Christ. Anita quietly and humbly loved the LORD, but her sweet spirit was often reflected through a gentle hug. She remained faithful to Mount Olive AME Church until she became ill. While ill, she remained strong in her convictions about who her Chief Physician is no matter how tough her journey became.

It is widely known she loved her family and friends, especially those from Key West. She joined the Key Westers Club of Orlando as soon as she learned about the local chapter. While fellowshipping with other native Key Westers, she often assisted other club members in the Business Management office and Hospitality areas.

When asked about her greatest achievement, her response was always the same. It was being married to her husband for 44 years and her two children and grandchildren. There were countless dialogues about lessons she learned from her parents, her experiences in life, and her affection for the LORD. Her family and friends were always welcomed into her home and she loved being around others who loved to laugh and enjoy one another's company.

Anita departed this earthly realm and entered into the heavenly realm on Monday, April 27, 2020 at the age of 64. Anita was preceded in death by her parents , Rupert and Mary Whitehead, brothe r, Crispin Whitehead, aunts , Naomi Harrison and Sarah Baker, uncle William Carey, II, and brothers-in-law , Alexander Pla and Franklin Gallagher.

As a child of GOD, loving wife, committed mother, beloved sister, and faithful friend, Anita leaves to cherish her memories her husband , George Washington, daughters , Chelsea (Kenneth) Johnson, Tameka (Wallace) Wyatt (all of Orlando, FL), step-children , Toni (Dwayne) Odum and Ernest (Deborah) Washington, (all of Atlanta, GA), grandchildren , Solana Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Niya Wyatt, Nicolas Wyatt (all of Orlando, FL), Tavaris Washington, Chandria Odum, Myles Odum, Daija Odum, Evan Washington (all of Atlanta, GA), Wallace Wyatt, III (Dallas, Texas), Darius Wyatt, Maya Wyatt, Moriah Wyatt (all of Orlando, FL), Kenlandra Johnson (Manhattan, NY), great-grandchildren , Kaniah and Noah Washington, (both of Boston, MA), and Mya Scroggins (Atlanta, GA), Christian Johnson (Manhattan, NY), aunt , Gloria Wallace, (Orlando, FL), sisters Linda Walker, Sandra Sims, (all of Orlando, FL) and Kim (Phillip) Ralston (Atlanta, GA), sister-in-law , Maeola Pla (Homestead,FL), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, god-sisters and god-brothers, other relatives, church family and friends.

The funeral service for Mrs. Anita Marie Washington will be live streamed on Saturday, May 2, 2020 beginning at 1:00 P.M. on www.gailwynnsmortuary.com home page and click "Watch Live Service".