Rachel Doretha Ware

Rachel Doretha Ware, 81 years old, born December 25, 1940, in Washington DC. The eldest of nine children born to Elder Jeremiah Joseph Perry Sr. and Elizabeth Perry, affectionately known as Jeannie, Mother Sarah.  Rachel’s siblings are Geraldine Weatherford, the late Betty Parker, the late Jackie Powell, the late Cynthia Perry, Phyllis Morgan, the late Janice Perry, the late Vera Lee and brother Jeremiah Perry Jr.  

Rachel completed her education in Washington, DC and graduated from Eastern High School.   After high school, she fell in love and married her high school sweetheart Leroy Ware in spring, May 15, 1960.  Through their union, they had four beautiful children—sons Kevin and Aaron Ware and two daughters Lawanda and Yvette Ware.  

Rachel had a happy childhood, raised by faith and family. As a little girl she loved ballet and she took ballet lessons.  In high school she went on to participate on the booster squad.  She loved to attend church outings, travel to Belleville, VA to participate in church programs and to visit friends and loved ones. 

Rachel and her family were diligent members of the First Tabernacle Washington DC.  She attended church regularly until her elder years hindered her attendance.  She also made sure her four children attended and participated in church.  It was not uncommon to see her entire family- grandchildren included- consistently sharing the  Sabbath.

Rachel loved her hometown of Washington, DC.  She worked at the Woodward and Lothrop store in downtown DC; she also worked as an exercise instructor for Barber Ellen Gym. Rachel attended Prince George’s Community College and Howard University;  she received a certificate in early Elementary School Education.  She worked for the District of Columbia Education System as a Teachers’ Aide until she retired in the mid 1990’s.  After her retirement, she worked several years as a substitute teacher. 

In addition, she loved classical dance, art, extensive gardening and reading.  She was a talented and accomplished artist and was requested by her co-workers to prepare bulletin boards and flyers plus other promotional publications.  Her advice, guidance and vision were also consistently sought out by her loved ones to ensure their weddings and other milestones celebrations were designed and executed beautifully. 

Rachel loved her children and grandchildren. She would regularly host picnics in the park, craft gatherings, swimming parties, pajama parties, and holiday events for the entire family to fellowship and have fun.

Rachel was preceded in death by her husband Leroy Ware and son Kevin Ware.  Upon her death, she leaves to mourn her son Aaron and two daughters Lawanda and Yvette, two daughter in-laws Terri Ware and Edith Ware, 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, friends and her church family.