Life’s Journey

Vernon, TX, October 31, 1951 - With peppered hair and powerful lungs, a baby boy pushed his way out the womb, into the arms of mother, Wenona, and chest-stuck-out father, Reverend Lulanger Webb Washington, Sr.  There to welcome him, big sister Alice found Baby Lulanger’s name too hard to say. “Brother”, she said. “I will call him Brother.” Years later, baby sister, Dinah, joined the family and the Wichita Falls Kemp Addition community–where they enjoyed childhood, they continued the carol of Lulanger’s nickname. He, however, locked-in to both of his names: 

“My name is Lulanger, but you can call me Brother.”

As he matured, Brother’s mental sharpness and peculiar, athletic excellence “ooo-awwed” crowds, and ultimately earned him a third name: Legend. Between the Booker T. Washington Leopards and the Wichita Falls High School Coyotes, his foot work sprinted him to all-state track triumphs. His bionic arm quarterbacked him to a state championship, spotlighted him on all-star squads and pitched him into all-American baseball brigades. Lulanger full-scholarshipped with the University of California at Davis and also Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. He later returned to live and fellowship with his Wichita “Fallz Town” family.

A natural comedian, Brother inspired loads of laughter, and coined words and phrases that tickled his family and friends to tummy-ache:  “Peoples pay to see!”  “I’m bout to left.”  “You handling yo bidneh?”  “Can you dig-a-lay my sation?” Sation. He made sure to shut down that “sation” and approached V.J. like a gentleman. Boom! On October 31, 1980, he placed a ring on her finger ‘til death do we part’. From there, V.J, his “Little Ole Lovey” granted him leadership over her home, her family and their life together. 

At age 31, with arms too short to box with God, and legs too slow to keep running from him, Brother surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. He accepted the call to ministry, led his wife and children to Christ, and regularly discipled them at home via evening devotionals. He pastored Antioch Baptist Church in Paducah, TX and Macedonia Baptist Church, Quanah, TX. After returning to Wichita Falls, he attended and served at Fairway Baptist Church but he ended life doing in-church service with Grace Church. In February 1997, outside the four walls of the church, Brother and VJ founded Christians Supporting Christians In Need (C-SCIN) Ministries with Accountability. Walking the walk, nursing home residents welcomed his presence every Sunday before church; hospital patients and inmates appreciated his commitment to show up; and needy families were strengthened and encouraged because Lulanger faithfully waited in line to grab them food each week from the food bank. Even his final employer, Tryer Processing, valued his tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence. 

Devoted husband and father. Faithful friend and follower of Jesus Christ, Brother’s spirit danced into glory Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 11:02 a.m. Family who preceded him in death include parents Lulanger Sr. and Wenona Washington; siblings Mary Louise and Dorothy Washington; son Lulanger Webb Washington, III; daughter Krystal Antoinette; granddaughter Everly Washington; and grandson Chiante McDuffie. He leaves cherished memories behind with his wife of over 43 years, V.J. Duckett-Washington; sisters Alice Watson (Jimmy Watson) and Dinah Washington; beloved children - LeTitia (JWayne Owens); Marce; GenaVe LaTondra; Sparkle (Khalid “KK” Walters); Crystal; Lulanger Mandingo (Rachel Washington); and Vanity Jezzell; two nieces - Shunda Harris and Shermara Luckey; nephew, Kenneth Everett, Jr; 22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren will miss “PawPaw Wash” as well as four bonus children - Angela Sarakan; Patrick Pope, Chasity Smith and her daughter, Charli Rose–and tons more close family members and loved ones.

 “Brother” Lulanger Webb Washington, Jr : Earth’s unfortunate loss. Heaven’s incredible gain.