Rheatte W. Thrower

Mrs. Rheatte W. Thrower, known to her family as “Minnie”, the daughter of the late Ned Washington, Sr. and the late Helen Waiters Washington, and the granddaughter of Sadie Bowers Washington was born in Charleston, SC.  She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Jesse Lee Thrower, Sr., who preceded her in death.

Rheatte graduated from Avery Institute and Burke High School.  She was a graduate of Cortez Peters Business School, Washington, DC.  Prior to relocating to South Carolina, Rheatte was employed as the 1st Black Female Clerk Typist at the Washington Daily News, Washington, DC.  She was known as the fastest typist of her craft at that time where she typed over 100 words per minute; this was done on a manual typewriter.

Once she relocated back to South Carolina, she was employed at the Charleston Naval Shipyard for many years.  Faith would have it, Rheatte met “Jesse Lee” and they later married. 

Rheatte joined Salem Missionary Baptist Church at an early age under the Pastorate of the Late Rev. J.T. Thomas, the Late Rev. Samuel J. Price, Rev. William U. Frederick, Jr., the leadership of the Late Deacon Ellie Jakes, the late Dec. David Brown, the late Dec. Lewis Yeadon, Sr., and Dec. Herman Simmons, Sr.  She was presently under the Pastorate of Rev. James B. Lewis, Sr.  She was a dedicated worker in the Service of the Lord.  She was a faithful member of Salem’s Gospel Choir, S.J. Price Ensemble, Salem’s Combined Choir, and The Help Fix It Up Club.  Religious Organization:  United Order of Tents (Roseanna Tent #18), Royal Degree Chamber #13, Household of Ruth #2906.

Rheatte slept away March 31, 2020.  She leaves to mourn a devoted daughter - Ms. Sharon D. Jakes, an adopted daughter – Ms. Monique Renee Thrower of Atlanta, Georgia, an adopted son – Shawn Lee Thrower, who preceded her in death, a devote grand daughter - Kortnee Rheatte Jakes, a devoted Brother - Mr. Ned Washington, Jr.(Beverly), a devoted niece – Tonya Renee Pharr-Walker (Rev. Ronnie), a host of family, friends, and the entire Salem Missionary Baptist Church.

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