Aretha Ann Washington’s home always overflowed with children.

Along with three children of her own, Mrs. Washington cheerfully took in the children of relatives, neighbors, godchildren and anyone else who asked, said her son, Irvin E. Tyson III. At any given time, there would be up to 10 children living with her, he said, some officially in foster care and others whom kin left with her.

Through the years, she served as a surrogate mother to at least 30 other children, Mr. Tyson said.

“She was a wonderful, caring person who loved everyone,” he said.

The big-hearted Richmond woman died Friday, April 16, 2021, at an area senior living center following a battle with illness. She was 74.

Family and friends celebrated her life Friday, April 30, at Wilson & Associates Funeral Home in Henrico County.

Mrs. Washington found her mission when she had to take over and raise her brother and three sisters while still a teenager, said her daughter-in-law, Hope Tyson. She moved on to raising “grandkids, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, even neighbors’ children,” Mrs. Tyson said.

Mrs. Washington made sure everyone understood they had to get along, her son said. “She didn’t have to yell,” he said. “She just gave you a look, and that was enough.”

Mr. Tyson said he and his siblings got used to having other children in the house and pitched in to help.

Her husband, Irvin Tyson Jr., who predeceased her, also supported her in bringing children into their home before his death.

Mrs. Washington worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in the dietary section and also enjoyed fishing, dancing and playing cards, Mrs. Tyson said.

In addition to her son, survivors include two other children, Lavornia D. Tyson and Rodney O. Tyson; and three sisters, Doris Washington, Gladys Washington and Rosalie Washington.