Minister Diane Beautrice Washington Virgil

Her Beginning… Minister Diane Beautrice Washington Virgil was born the third child of six children of the late Henry H. Washington, Sr. and the late Hattie Mae Smith of Thomasville, Georgia. Her Love for Learning… Minister Washington was a very astute and brilliant young lady even at an early age. She attended the public schools of Thomasville City School. She received from the State of Georgia a Certificate of Distinction presented to Diane Washington for participation in the fourth Governor’s Honors Program of Georgia given at Wesleyan College, on the 3rd day of August, A.D., 1967 under Governor Lester Maddox. She was presented the certificate of Intramural Athletic Distinction Championship in Girls Softball Psychics on the second day of August 1967. She as a 19-year old Douglass High School graduate completed the first Miss Black America Pageant held in Georgia. She was sponsored by Hatcher Peoples Funeral Home in the eliminations to choose Georgia’s entry in the nationwide beauty and talent contest in Macon. As “Miss Thomasville” she has won a trophy in the Albany contest and won the two trophies at Macon’s Municipal Auditorium, August 21 after being chosen “Miss Congeniality.” She attended Albany State College (University) where she received a degree in Elementary Education and Art. There she met her husband Rev. Emory C. Virgil at Albany State College. Together they had one son. She received her degree in Ministry under the study of Mother Coley. In her community she taught Bible verses to the youth. She had a deep sense of moral justice. She taught Sunday School at her church when she was just a teenager. She was also in the yearly art show that was held in Thomasville, Georgia. Diane loved reading her Bible and praying to God and her savior. She enjoyed going to church and worshiping God. She taught in the Thomasville School System and was always open to help those who needed advice. Minister Diane Virgil leaves to mourn her precious memories, her son: Emory Carlton Virgil, Jr.; Sisters: Deloris Lewis, Gloria Jean Coney (Richard), and Gwendolyn Marie Armstrong all of Albany, Georgia; Sister-In-Law: Carolyn Washington of Thomasville, Georgia; Nephews: Henry H. Washington III (Vanessa), Gregory T. Washington, Richard Coney Jr. (Kelion) Matthew Coney (Sharon), Jaylen McCree, Cedric Blackmon, Jamell Myles, Josiah Coney, and Timothy Lewis; Nieces: Paula C. Washington, Angela Wasington-Jones, Michelle Washington Curry (Mathis), Regina Johnson (Alex), Tamika Curry, Ingrid Blackmon, Jalencia McCree, LeShay Blackmon, Keyrah Coney, Shaneiyah Hill, Barbara Austin, and Debra Austin; Special Cousin: Clifton Austin of Rochester, New York; Special Friend: General Lloyd J. Austin III, a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.