Meet Our Family Reunion Committee

Daughter of Deborah Jones, granddaughter of Saline Jones and great-granddaughter of Drusilla (Davis) Moore. I was born and raised in Monroe Michigan. I have two Daughters, Damiah Blackman, age 19 and Jayah Way, age 8. I received my Associate of Science Degree from Monroe County Community College and attended cosmetology school at Michigan College of beauty. I currently work for myself as a licensed cosmetologist. I also own a small business named Prestigious Hair. 

Some of my fondest childhood memories are the times I spent traveling down south with my grandparents, mom, aunts, uncles, cousins, sister, and friends to the infamous family reunions! I particularly remember my grandmother’s bond with Aunt Cortez and her first cousin Sue. I remember them dressing alike in their fancy suits for the dinner banquets at the reunions. They were classy ladies. I am blessed to have experienced the family reunions throughout my childhood, adulthood, and now as a committee member. I am honored to be of service to my family and feel privileged to be a part of keeping our legacy alive. God Bless the Johnson David Family! 

Hello, I am Dode Washington. I have been married to Rev. Joseph E Washington, son of Cortez Washington, for more than 40 years. I am originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, but met Joseph in Boston, MA. We got married in Copenhagen in my home church and had a wedding reception both in Boston and then in Pine Bluff, at my beloved late mother in law, Cortez’s home.

We have two daughters, Jessie and Jasmine, a 3 year old grandson Kai, and a son in law, Alex. I am a retired obstetrician and gynecologist, and we recently moved to Atlanta, GA. I love traveling, cooking, church, swimming, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.  We have hosted family reunions in New York City, NY and Myrtle Beach, SC, and were part of the planning committee for reunions in  New Orleans and Atlanta. I look forward to being part of the local host team for family reunion in Atlanta, GA 2026.

Son of Adrianne Sublett, Grandson of Mayotis Robinson. Born and raised in Memphis, TN. First committee member born in the 2000s. Grew up CME, heavily influenced by both maternal grandparents.

My core memories begin in Pine Bluff. I’ll never forget feeling the bond that my great-grandmother, Cortez, had with her sister Eunice. We’ve had many family moments in churches around the Memphis and Central Arkansas Area. 

My earliest family reunion memory was in Myrtle Beach. I remember meeting (probably not the first time) my cousin Jaden. I vaguely remember the cookout at Joe’s house due to kids not being allowed upstairs LOL! My favorite part about attending family reunion is getting to meet the people you hear so many stories about.

I currently manage at Mattress Firm (we ship nationwide!). I enjoy family history and love researching our roots! I also watch science fiction, sports, and love to travel. My prayer is that this reunion brings us closer together and sets our family up for further success! 

-Jacob Robinson

Johnson-Davis Committee

Jessie is the daughter of Joseph E. Washington (Cortez Washington’s son) and Dode Washington. She is the sister and sister-in-law, respectively, of Jasmine Washington and Alex Weaks and the proud auntie of Kai Washington-Weaks. Jessie grew up along the East Coast in Boston, MA, New York, and Myrtle Beach, SC. She has lived in Decatur, GA since 2019. Jessie recently earned a PhD in Religion from Emory University, where her research focused on the role of the Black church in addressing suicidality and mental health concerns among Black women. She currently works as a clinical social worker, providing individual and family therapy. Jessie loves to read, write, swim, travel, eat good food, listen to live music, and shop for vintage clothing and furniture. She is excited for the reboot of the Johnson-Davis Family Reunion and is honored to serve on this year’s planning committee.

Howdie Family! I’m the son of Adrianne Sublett, grandson of Mayotis Robinson, and great grandson of the amazing Cortez Washington. I’m a proud father of two amazing girls, Emerson Marie (6) and Amelia May (4 on September 18th). 

Some of my fondest memories are those made with this amazing family. From holidays full of laughter and delicious food — honorable mention to the dish washing crew — to proposing to my wife at the 2018 family reunion. 

I currently serve as a manager at Rooms to Go Southaven, a barista at Starbucks, and I am a rapper and lyricist. Music is the thing I’m most passionate about, after my family, and being able to tell stories through that medium brings me so much joy. 

I’m thrilled to be a part of reviving the Johnson - Davis Family Reunion! I look forward to creating a wealth of new memories as we gather together in Atlanta next year to share the old ones. Much love to y’all!

Phil Miller was most recently the Senior Vice President for Core-Mark International. Core-Mark is a division of Performance Food Group (PFGC), a $63 Billion fortune 100 company and one of the largest marketers of fresh food and broad-line supply solutions for the convenience retail industry in North America, servicing over 50,000+ customer locations from 45 divisions throughout the U.S. and Canada.  

Phil has very vivid memories of the family reunions dating back to the mid to late 1970’s when most, if not all, of the food was prepared at Aunt Cortez’s home or her daughter Sue. They cooked and the kids cleaned. If we had cell phones back then, they most definitely would not have been allowed while eating or participating in family discussions. The most important thing he remembers is how the older family members were always pouring knowledge into the kids and making sure they were engaged and enjoying spending time with each other. The center plate of the reunions was around Faith, Family & Fellowship which helped create an amazing extended family bond. 

Phil is the first grandchild of Eunice (Davis) Pettigrew and Alonso Pettigrew and the first-born  of Clarice (Pettigrew) Miller and Raymond P. Miller, Sr. He has one sister (Terri). His mother Clarice is the oldest of the (6) Pettigrew siblings, Alonzo (Bubba), Carol, George, Paula & Robert. 

Phil is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and currently lives in Gilbert, Arizona with his wife Carletta. They have two young adult children, Nina (23) and Jaden (21). He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Kennesaw State University, with additional post-educational executive training at Penn State University, Michigan State University Broad Graduate School of Management, Wharton Business School and McKinsey & Company Black Executive Leadership Academy. 

Hello! I am proud daughter of Earl Henderson, granddaughter of Virginia Sue Henderson, and great-granddaughter of the incredible Cortez Washington.

Being part of the Family Reunion Committee this year is truly an honor and a joy!

I’m blessed to be the mother of an amazing 8-year-old, Blake Brown, who definitely keeps me on the go. Inspired by my grandmother’s legacy, I chose a career in education and now have the privilege of serving as an Instructional Facilitator for a school district. In this role, I equip teachers and students to grow and reach their full potential.

Some of my favorite family memories come from holidays at my great-grandmother’s house. It was always filled with love, laughter, and the most delicious food you could imagine. Those moments shaped who I am and strengthened my love for family.

This year’s reunion is more than just a gathering; it's an opportunity to reconnect, strengthen our bonds, and honor the legacy of those who came before us. I can’t wait to hug, laugh, eat, and celebrate with each of you.

Hello to All! You may remember me as Bills daughter and Muriel’s Granddaughter.

After high school, I dedicated myself to a career in nursing, a path that has presented me with both immense challenges and extraordinary rewards over the past two and a half decades. Currently, I’m balancing the demanding responsibilities of my nursing career with the equally demanding yet exhilarating pursuit of further education.  

When I’m not immersed in the worlds of nursing and academia, you can usually find me attending live music events, passionately cheering on the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (Go Draymond Green)!, or losing myself in a good book. My faith also remains a cornerstone of my life, and I find solace and community in regular church attendance.  

Amongst the most cherished memories of my youth are those of our family reunions in Pine Bluff. I have incredibly clear recollections of the trips, which included Murl, Eric Paul and myself always stopping midway in Stugggart to get gas. While the precise year may be a little hazy-perhaps 1983 or 1984- the memories remain strikingly sharp. These reunions weren’t merely about seeing relatives; they represented an opportunity to forge a profound connection with my heritage, to recognize shared traits and values, and to appreciate the rich and diverse tapestry of our family history. It always made me feel good to look around and see people that “looked like me”

"Although it has been a number of years since I have seen a number of you, it is something I deeply value and hold close to my heart.

Life is busy, but good. I’m also a proud mother and grandmother.