Deacon Eunice Mae Samuel Washington Coleman was born on February 4, 1935, to the late Carey and Pattie (Green) Samuel. On September 26, 2016, she departed this life and entered into eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Irvin Coleman; brothers, James, Otha, Joe (Green) Leroy, Earl and Carey Samuel; sisters, Elizabeth, Sarah and Annie Lindsey.

Eunice accepted Christ at the age of six and was baptized during the pastorate of Dr. E. L. R. Guss. She was educated in the Caroline County School System and graduated from Union High School in Bowling Green, Virginia in 1954. In 1956, she married George Washington and out of that union, Jerome and Michael Washington were born. Eunice worked at Webb Motel, Foreign Domestic and from 1980 to 1992 she was employed by the Caroline County School System. She was also the Director of Activity at the Bowling Green Healthcare Center until she retired due to medical reasons.

Eunice was a firm and steadfast believer in the Lord and faithfully served her church and community. While attending St. James Baptist Church, she was the Chairman of the Deacon Board (she was the second female to be ordained as a Deacon), President and Vice-president of the Usher Board, Chairman of the Missionary Board, Chairman of Transportation and Chairman of the Food Bank. Eunice was also a member of the Pastor's Aid Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Kitchen Committee, Decorating Committee, Women's Club and the Nurse's Unit. In addition, she provided meals for the children's Wednesday Night Youth Bible Class. Eunice unconditionally loved her Pastor and church family.

Eunice loved to travel, enjoyed watching the soap operas, spending time with her family and delighted in entertaining her family and friends. She adored her sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Eunice's home became a way station for many children through-out the community as many found love, rest and comfort while in her home. Her passion was helping people and letting individuals know the path to happiness was forgiveness. Eunice's heart was big and full of love and compassion.

She leaves cherished memories to her devoted sons, Jerome (Sheila) Washington of Navarre, Florida and Michael (Berniece) Washington of Stafford, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Sally, Gloria, Dora and Gloria Samuel, and Cynthia Keeling; six grandchildren, LaTesha (Reggie) Sutton, Casey (Mulique) Evans, April Ware, Erik Washington, Patrice Washington and Nia Washington; great-grandchildren, Kyree, Nore, Jaylah, Payton, Aaliyah, Amari, Camden, Parker, Amina and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves devoted friends/sisters Alberta, Mildred, Joyce and Frances.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. James Baptist Church, 19514 Sparta Road, Milford, VA 22514 and one hour before the service on Saturday. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Octobber 1, 2016 at St. James Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Charles Baugham, Sr. delivering the eulogy and Interim Pastor Bruce Burton, officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.