SC H5050

Rev. Dr. Elijah Washington Sr. of Beaufort County passed away on August 15, 2025, at age 83, prompting this resolution of sympathy from the South Carolina House of Representatives

Dr. Washington was the first African American chief of staff at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and the first African American OB/GYN in the Lowcountry, joining the medical staff in 1971

His career with Beaufort Jasper Comprehensive Health Services spanned from 1971 to 1996, with the period from March 1971 through July 1983 designated "The Elijah Washington Era" in recognition of his contributions

The Sheldon Health Center was renamed the Elijah Washington Medical Center in his honor in 1980, and he received the Physician of the Year award from the South Carolina Primary Care Association in 1998

He served as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, earned degrees from Morehouse College and Meharry Medical College, and served as pastor emeritus of First African Baptist Church of St. Helena Island