When Jene Washington was born, she was immediately in the news. She and her siblings, Jann and June, were Black triplets, a rarity that captured attention in Houston and beyond.
So, it makes sense that everything about her incredible life has continued to honor that theme of threes. Even today, Washington’s still-active life of service centers on three main areas: Houston ISD, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, and Manna House, the Third Ward food pantry.
Rooted in the Third Ward
Where else would the story of this triple threat of service begin but in Houston’s Third Ward, also known as “The Tre”? And when asked the simple question, Who is Jene Washington? she proudly begins with the story that introduced her to the public.
“I am the second born of a set of triplets and was followed by the Houston Post, now the Chronicle, for six years, covering the fact that we were the first African-American triplets born in that year at Herman Hospital,” Washington said. “We were the ‘third child’ that my parents wanted, and God saw fit to give them five children.”

But her public impact didn’t stop there; not by three long shots. Washington and her sisters graduated from Spelman College together. This May, the Washington triplets will celebrate the 50th anniversary of that shared milestone. Washington is also proud of her more than 50 years of active membership at Pilgrim Congregational UCC in Third Ward and her 32 years of service with Houston ISD.
Spelman-bound
Washington’s path to Spelman was shaped early.
“Our counselor at Yates High School gave all of the students an opportunity to experience the culture of HBCUs,” she said. “She was very proud of us looking at colleges and universities and gave us the opportunity to explore.”
For Washington, Spelman already felt like home.
“My connection with Spelman is that my brother (Allen Clifton Washington) was a Morehouse graduate. My older sister (Patricia Washington Thomas) was a Bennett College graduate… I had two neighbors who attended Spelman on the same street that I lived on,” she said. “So, Spelman was kind of in my blood from the beginning.”
That legacy continues across generations.
“Eleven young ladies went to Spelman from Yates the year that we went,” Washington said. “Jan, June. and myself, the triplets, we are all graduates of Spelman. And my niece… is also a graduate of Spelman.”
Three decades serving Houston ISD
After returning to Houston, Washington deepened her Third Ward roots. She earned her master’s and doctorate in psychology from Texas Southern University and soon began a transformative three-decade career with Houston ISD.
Her journey started in HISD’s student psychiatric outpatient and inpatient program, serving students transitioning back to school after hospitalization.
“When I was in that environment… I just fell in love with meeting the needs of the kids,” she said. “It was just a blessing that I had that opportunity.”
Washington later helped coordinate HISD’s 21st Century after-school programs, assisting with grant writing before moving into grant management.
“I was a grant coordinator and ended up being the grant manager of the grant development department,” she said. “We found grants for student success… proudly found grants in the millions of dollars to meet the needs of students and the district.”
She concluded her 32-year career with HISD in 2024, after 14 years in the grant department, her third area of focus within HISD.
Pilgrim’s pride

Though she speaks passionately about education, Washington’s heart also belongs to her church home. A Pilgrim member for more than half a century, she beams with pride over its legacy.
“We celebrated the 120-year anniversary of the Pilgrim Congregational last year,” she said. “It was a testament to the time spent serving God with those believers who really care about a church that has given back to the Third Ward community for over 120 years.”
She credits that spirit to leadership grounded in faith.
“Our pastor, Reverend A. Keith Edwards, has instilled in us that when you care about God… it comes back full circle,” Washington said. “So, it’s just all about giving back to God.”
Manna from heaven

That calling to give back also led her to Manna House, where she serves as both volunteer and board member.
Manna House operates through a partnership with the Houston Food Bank and is managed by four churches: Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church, St. Luke Episcopal Church, and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.
“One of my passions is to give back to the community. I’m just here to serve, and God has made me fit to give back.”
Jene Washington, Ph.D.
“One of my passions is to give back to the community,” Washington said. “I’m just here to serve, and God has made me fit to give back.”
Washington is appreciated
Deidre Hamilton, chair of Church Council for Pilgrim Congregational UCC, recognizes and appreciates Washington’s heart for service.
“Dr. Washington is a reliable and committed team member who has a genuine desire and love for serving those in the community who are less fortunate,” said Hamilton. “Her commitment and compassion for others are evident in her service with Manna House.”
Dr. Washington’s love for the Lord is not only demonstrated by her service with Manna House, but her commitment to fundraising efforts that impact capital improvements and the maintenance of our church.”
Hamilton says Washington’s work does not stop there, as she also serves on the leadership council of Pilgrim.
“All of these volunteer services demonstrate her love for serving God and her sisters and brothers in the community,” added Hamilton.



