Lorice Annette Washington is an American evangelist, prophetess, author, and spiritual leader best known as the eldest sister of Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, she holds a B.A. in Psychology from Briarcliff College and advanced degrees in Spiritual Nutrition, and founded Lorice Washington Ministries while authoring the influential book The Anointing, Prayer, Fasting, and the Spirit-Filled Diet.
Quick Facts About Lorice Washington
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lorice Annette Washington |
| Birthplace | Mount Vernon, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Profession | Evangelist, Prophetess, Author, Singer, Spiritual Leader |
| Education | B.A. in Psychology (Briarcliff College), M.A. and Ph.D. in Spiritual Nutrition |
| Famous For | Founder of Lorice Washington Ministries, Author, Denzel Washington’s Sister |
| Parents | Rev. Denzel Hayes Washington Sr. (Father, 1909-1991), Lennis “Lynne” Lowe Washington (Mother, 1924-2021) |
| Siblings | Denzel Washington (younger brother), David Washington (younger brother) |
| Book | The Anointing, Prayer, Fasting, and the Spirit-Filled Diet |
| Ministry | Lorice Washington Ministries (Ruckersville, Virginia) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200,000 (as of 2025) |
| Marital Status | Private (not publicly disclosed) |
Who Is Lorice Washington?
Lorice Washington is an evangelist, prophetess, and spiritual leader who dedicated her life to ministry and helping others through faith-based healing practices. She serves as the founder of Lorice Washington Ministries and has built a reputation as a powerful speaker on topics including fasting, prayer, spiritual nutrition, and healing.
Unlike her famous brother Denzel, who became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, Lorice chose a path centered on spirituality, education, and community service. She began her singing career at age four in her father’s Pentecostal church and has spent decades working to help people deepen their faith and improve their spiritual well-being.
Her work combines academic knowledge with spiritual wisdom, creating a unique approach to ministry that addresses both the physical and spiritual aspects of human health. Through her book, speaking engagements, and ministry work, Lorice has touched countless lives while maintaining a relatively private personal life away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Early Life and Family Background
Lorice was born in Mount Vernon, New York, to Reverend Denzel Hayes Washington Sr. and Lennis “Lynne” Lowe Washington. As the eldest of three siblings, she grew up in a household deeply rooted in faith, discipline, and hard work. Her father served as a Pentecostal minister, while her mother owned and operated a beauty salon, providing the family with financial stability.
Growing up in Mount Vernon during the mid-20th century meant experiencing a vibrant, diverse community with strong cultural roots. The Washington household emphasized education, moral values, and service to others. Reverend Washington Sr. preached at the local Pentecostal church, where young Lorice first discovered her musical and spiritual gifts.
Her childhood was shaped by the powerful combination of her father’s spiritual leadership and her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit. This blend of faith and business acumen created a unique environment where children were taught to work hard, maintain integrity, and use their talents to serve their community.
As the oldest sibling, Lorice often acted as a caregiver and guide to her younger brothers, Denzel and David. This role taught her responsibility and leadership from an early age, qualities that would serve her well in her future ministry work.
Education and Academic Achievements
Lorice pursued higher education with dedication and purpose. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Briarcliff College, demonstrating her interest in understanding the human mind and behavior. This foundation in psychology would later inform her approach to spiritual healing and ministry.
Not content with just an undergraduate degree, Lorice continued her education by earning both a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Spiritual Nutrition. These advanced degrees reflect her commitment to combining scientific knowledge with spiritual practices. Her academic work focused on how nutrition affects spiritual well-being and how proper fasting can enhance one’s connection to God.
Her educational journey equipped her with tools to approach ministry from both intellectual and spiritual perspectives. She understands the biological processes involved in fasting, the psychological aspects of faith, and the spiritual dimensions of healing—making her uniquely qualified to guide others on their spiritual journeys.
The combination of psychology and spiritual nutrition allows Lorice to address the whole person in her ministry work. She recognizes that physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual development are interconnected, and her educational background supports this comprehensive approach to healing.
Beginning Her Spiritual Journey
Lorice’s spiritual journey began at age four when she started singing in her father’s Pentecostal church. This early exposure to worship, prayer, and spiritual community laid the foundation for her future calling as an evangelist and prophetess.
Growing up in a minister’s household meant that faith wasn’t just practiced on Sundays—it was a way of life. She witnessed her father counsel congregation members, lead worship services, and serve his community. These experiences showed her the power of faith to transform lives and provide comfort during difficult times.
As she matured, Lorice felt a calling to ministry that went beyond singing in the church choir. She developed gifts as a speaker, teacher, and spiritual guide. Her ability to connect with people, understand their struggles, and offer biblical wisdom made her a natural leader in the faith community.
Her journey wasn’t without challenges. Growing up in the shadow of her increasingly famous brother could have created pressure or resentment, but Lorice remained focused on her own path. She chose to serve God rather than seek fame, demonstrating the values her parents instilled in her from childhood.
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Founding Lorice Washington Ministries
Lorice founded Lorice Washington Ministries, based in Ruckersville, Virginia, to serve as a platform for her evangelical and healing work. The ministry focuses on spiritual growth, fasting, prayer, and holistic health from a biblical perspective.
Through her ministry, Lorice offers spiritual guidance, healing services, and educational resources to people seeking to deepen their faith. She travels as a guest speaker to churches, conferences, and spiritual events across the country, sharing her insights on topics including:
- The spiritual benefits of fasting
- Prayer techniques for spiritual breakthrough
- Nutritional approaches to spiritual health
- Healing practices rooted in biblical principles
- The connection between physical and spiritual well-being
Her ministry work demonstrates her commitment to helping others develop stronger relationships with God. She believes that proper nutrition, strategic fasting, and dedicated prayer can create the conditions for spiritual anointing and personal transformation.
Lorice Washington Ministries serves a diverse community of believers who appreciate her unique blend of academic knowledge and spiritual wisdom. Her approach resonates with people who want to understand the “why” behind spiritual practices, not just the “what.”
Writing The Anointing, Prayer, Fasting, and the Spirit-Filled Diet
Lorice’s most significant contribution to Christian literature is her book The Anointing, Prayer, Fasting, and the Spirit-Filled Diet. This comprehensive text explores effective and safe methods of fasting and prayer for those seeking the anointing of the Holy Spirit and spiritual healing.
The book stands out because it addresses practical questions that many fasting guides overlook. Lorice explains which foods enhance the anointing experience and which foods, when prepared incorrectly, can diminish spiritual receptivity. She combines nutritional science with biblical principles to create a guide that’s both spiritually sound and physically safe.
The book’s introduction was written by the late Bishop Ithiel Clemmons, who served as the 1st Jurisdictional Bishop of New York and General Board Member for the Church of God in Christ. Forewords were contributed by Bishop Samuel L. Green Jr., also a General Board Member of the Church of God in Christ, and her brother, Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington.
Having Denzel write the foreword demonstrates the close bond between the siblings and his respect for Lorice’s spiritual work. Despite their different career paths, they share mutual admiration and support for each other’s callings.
The book continues to inspire readers who want to pursue deeper spiritual connections through fasting and prayer. Lorice’s combination of personal experience, academic training, and spiritual insight makes the text accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners of Christian fasting.
Speaking and Ministry Work
Beyond her written work, Lorice is an accomplished speaker who travels extensively to share her insights on faith, fasting, and spiritual healing. Her ability to connect with audiences and inspire spiritual growth has made her a sought-after guest at church events, conferences, and spiritual gatherings.
Her speaking style combines biblical teaching with practical application. She doesn’t just tell people what to do—she explains why these practices matter and how to implement them safely and effectively. This educational approach empowers listeners to take charge of their own spiritual development.
Lorice’s topics often include:
- Understanding the biblical foundations of fasting
- Creating personalized prayer strategies
- Recognizing and cultivating the anointing
- Nutritional approaches to spiritual preparation
- Healing through faith and proper physical care
- Building sustainable spiritual practices
Her work in the religious community extends beyond formal speaking engagements. She offers spiritual counseling, leads prayer groups, and mentors others who feel called to ministry. Her dedication to serving others reflects the values her father modeled throughout his career as a Pentecostal minister.
Relationship With Denzel Washington
Lorice shares a close bond with her younger brother Denzel, who often credits his family for keeping him grounded despite his Hollywood success. As the eldest sibling, she played a significant role in Denzel’s upbringing, acting as both sister and mentor.
Denzel has spoken publicly about the importance of his family in shaping his values, work ethic, and character. While he doesn’t frequently discuss specific details about his siblings, it’s clear that Lorice’s influence was significant. Her commitment to faith, education, and service provided an example that helped shape Denzel’s approach to life and career.
In a 2024 interview with Esquire, Denzel revealed that Lorice has exceptional research skills. He shared: “Here’s a fact: We’re descendants of George Washington. We’re ex-slaves. My sister did the whole genealogical history of our family. She is truly a genius. She’s good, and she spent forever figuring it all out. We still own land down there—not far from D.C.”
This genealogical research demonstrates Lorice’s intellectual curiosity and commitment to understanding the Washington family’s history. Her work uncovered connections to George Washington and traced the family’s journey from slavery to their current position, providing future generations with knowledge about their roots.
Despite Denzel’s fame bringing attention to the Washington family, Lorice has maintained her privacy and continued her ministry work without seeking spotlight. This choice reflects her values and her commitment to serving God rather than pursuing fame through family connections.
The Washington Family Values
The Washington family was built on a foundation of faith, discipline, and mutual support. Reverend Denzel Hayes Washington Sr. and Lennis Washington created a home where education was prioritized, hard work was expected, and spiritual development was essential.
Reverend Washington Sr. served as the family’s spiritual leader until his death in 1991. His ministry influenced all three of his children, though each expressed their faith differently. Lorice followed directly in his footsteps by entering ministry, while Denzel incorporated faith themes into his film choices and public statements.
Lennis Washington, who passed away in 2021 at age 97, provided stability and business acumen to the family. Her work as a beautician and salon owner showed the children that independence, entrepreneurship, and serving others could coexist. She taught her children to work hard, save money, and never forget where they came from.
The three Washington siblings—Lorice, Denzel, and David—maintain strong family bonds despite their different life paths. They share a common foundation of values that transcends their individual career choices. Whether in ministry, entertainment, or other fields, the Washington siblings carry forward the legacy their parents established.
Community Service and Social Advocacy
Lorice’s commitment to community involvement extends beyond her formal ministry work. She actively participates in various community initiatives focused on mental health awareness, social equity, and supporting underserved populations.
Her involvement in mental health advocacy is particularly noteworthy. She recognizes that spiritual health and mental health are interconnected, and she works to reduce the stigma around mental health issues in faith communities. This work is crucial because many religious communities have historically dismissed mental health concerns as simply “lack of faith.”
Lorice believes in creating supportive environments where individuals can thrive. Her approach is rooted in kindness, compassion, and a philosophy of continuous growth. Through mentorship programs, she has guided countless individuals through personal and professional challenges.
Her humanitarian work demonstrates a vested interest in driving positive change within communities. Whether through volunteer work, community organizing, or direct service, Lorice shows that faith without action is incomplete. She lives out the biblical mandate to serve “the least of these” through tangible actions that improve people’s lives.
Life Away From the Spotlight
Unlike many siblings of celebrities who write tell-all books or seek media attention, Lorice has maintained remarkable privacy throughout her life. She has chosen not to capitalize on her connection to Denzel Washington, instead building her own identity and career in ministry.
This decision to stay out of the spotlight reflects both personal preference and spiritual conviction. Lorice understands that effective ministry requires authenticity and humility. Seeking fame would undermine her message and distract from the work she feels called to do.
Her personal life remains largely private. While some reports suggest she may have experienced health challenges, including bipolar disorder, Lorice has not publicly confirmed these details. Her choice to keep romantic relationships and personal matters private demonstrates her commitment to maintaining boundaries between her public ministry work and her personal life.
This privacy extends to social media. Unlike many public figures and ministry leaders who maintain active social media presences, Lorice appears to have limited or no public social media accounts. This choice allows her to focus on face-to-face ministry and avoid the distractions and controversies that often accompany online presence.
Lorice Washington Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Lorice Washington’s net worth is estimated at approximately $200,000. This modest wealth reflects her choice to pursue ministry rather than more lucrative career paths. Her income comes from multiple sources related to her ministry work:
- Book sales: Her book The Anointing, Prayer, Fasting, and the Spirit-Filled Diet continues to sell to readers interested in spiritual fasting and prayer
- Speaking engagements: She receives honorariums for appearances at churches, conferences, and spiritual events
- Ministry donations: Lorice Washington Ministries likely receives donations from supporters
- Spiritual counseling and healing services: She may offer private sessions for individuals seeking spiritual guidance
While her net worth is considerably less than her brother Denzel’s (estimated at over $280 million), Lorice’s wealth reflects her priorities. She chose a path of service over financial gain, demonstrating that success can be measured in impact rather than dollars.
Her financial situation allows her to live comfortably while focusing on her calling. She doesn’t need wealth to validate her work or prove her worth. Instead, she finds fulfillment in the lives she touches and the spiritual growth she facilitates.
The Washington Siblings: Different Paths, Shared Values
The contrast between Lorice and Denzel’s careers highlights an important truth: family members can support each other while pursuing vastly different paths. While Denzel became one of Hollywood’s most recognized faces, Lorice chose ministry and spiritual leadership. Their younger brother David has also maintained a private life away from public attention.
These different paths don’t indicate family division or lack of support. Instead, they show a family secure enough to let each member pursue their calling without pressure to conform. The Washington parents raised children who think independently, follow their convictions, and support each other’s choices.
Denzel’s success in Hollywood hasn’t overshadowed Lorice’s contributions to her community and the faith world. She has carved her own space, built her own legacy, and influenced lives in ways that don’t require red carpets or awards ceremonies. Her impact is measured in transformed lives, deepened faith, and healed spirits.
The sibling relationship between Lorice and Denzel demonstrates mutual respect. He acknowledges her genius in genealogical research and values her spiritual guidance. She celebrates his achievements while maintaining her own identity and mission. This healthy dynamic shows the strength of their family foundation.
Lessons From Lorice’s Life
Lorice Washington’s life offers important insights for anyone seeking to live purposefully. First, she demonstrates that you don’t need to seek fame to make a significant impact. Her quiet work in ministry has influenced countless lives without requiring public recognition or celebrity status.
Second, Lorice shows the value of combining education with passion. Her academic credentials in psychology and spiritual nutrition give her credibility and depth in her ministry work. She didn’t choose between intellectual rigor and spiritual devotion—she embraced both.
Third, her commitment to privacy in an age of oversharing is remarkable. She proves that you can do meaningful work without broadcasting every detail of your life online. This boundary-setting protects her personal peace and allows her to focus on what matters most.
Finally, Lorice’s life reminds us that family relationships can thrive when members support each other’s individual paths. She didn’t resent Denzel’s fame or try to use it for personal gain. Instead, she celebrated his success while building her own legacy.
Current Life and Ministry
As of 2025, Lorice continues her work as an evangelist, prophetess, and spiritual leader. She remains active in the religious community through Lorice Washington Ministries, speaking engagements, and her ongoing work as a healer and counselor.
Her ministry continues to attract people seeking deeper spiritual connections, effective prayer strategies, and guidance on faith-based healing. She offers insights based on decades of experience, comprehensive education, and genuine calling to serve others.
While she maintains her privacy regarding personal matters, her public ministry work demonstrates ongoing commitment to her calling. She continues to travel, teach, and inspire others to pursue spiritual growth and healing through biblical principles.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lorice Washington
Who is Lorice Washington?
Lorice Annette Washington is an American evangelist, prophetess, author, and spiritual leader who serves as the founder of Lorice Washington Ministries. She is best known as the eldest sister of Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, she began singing in her father’s Pentecostal church at age four and has dedicated her life to ministry, spiritual healing, and faith-based education.
What is Lorice Washington’s educational background?
Lorice Washington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Briarcliff College. She continued her education by obtaining both a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Spiritual Nutrition. Her academic background combines understanding of human behavior with knowledge of how nutrition affects spiritual well-being, creating a unique foundation for her ministry work.
What book did Lorice Washington write?
Lorice Washington authored The Anointing, Prayer, Fasting, and the Spirit-Filled Diet, a comprehensive guide about effective and safe methods of fasting and prayer for spiritual anointing and healing. The book explains which foods enhance spiritual experiences and which foods can diminish spiritual receptivity. The introduction was written by Bishop Ithiel Clemmons, with forewords by Bishop Samuel L. Green Jr. and her brother Denzel Washington.
What is Lorice Washington’s net worth?
Lorice Washington’s net worth is estimated at approximately $200,000 as of 2025. Her income comes from book sales, speaking engagements at churches and conferences, ministry donations, and spiritual counseling services. While her net worth is modest compared to her brother Denzel’s estimated $280 million, it reflects her choice to pursue ministry and spiritual service rather than more financially lucrative careers.
What is Lorice Washington’s relationship with Denzel Washington?
Lorice Washington is Denzel Washington’s eldest sister and has maintained a close, supportive relationship with him throughout his life. As the oldest sibling, she acted as a caregiver and mentor during their childhood in Mount Vernon, New York. Denzel has publicly praised her research skills, noting that she completed extensive genealogical research tracing the Washington family history back to their connection with George Washington. Despite their different career paths—Lorice in ministry and Denzel in Hollywood—they share mutual respect and strong family bonds.
