Victoria J. Washington was on her way to Florida to help her brother, Bobby, while her sister-in-law, Susan, recuperated from surgery. This was the Vickey everyone knew and loved always ready to lend a helping hand when someone was in need.
Those who knew her best describe her as infectious. Her smile, her bubbling personality and her compassion always made her a pleasure to be around. Along with her husband of 18 years, J.T., she had just finished her training to become a foster parent to kids who were in trouble.
She had resigned from her day-care job to become a full-time foster parent helping children who need a second chance. The children at the day care called her Miss Vickey, her step-children called her Mom. She was ready to give other children that same love that made her so special.
Vickey loved her God, and she loved her country. This was evident in that she spent eight years in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant serving as a recruiter. Vickey retired from the U.S. Navy in July 1995, after 12 years as a cryptologist, where she served in Bahrain during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She also served in Guam, Hawaii, British Indian Ocean Territory and Virginia, where she met her husband. Vickey retired a cryptology operations specialist.
The world is not a better place without the infectious Victoria J. Washington. There is an emptiness in all of those who were a part of her life. An emptiness that can never be filled.
Only the memories remain.
This poem is dedicated to the memory of Victoria J. Washington, who is deeply missed by her husband, her children, her family and a host of friends. To all the survivors of Flight 5191 Our family grieves with you.
Love Lives On
Those we love are never really lost to us We feel them in so many special ways Through friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind In beauty that they added to our days In words of wisdom we still carry with us And memories that will never be gone Those we love are never really lost to us For everywhere their special love lives on.
James Washington, husband of Victoria Washington
