Mary T. Washington facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mary T. Washington
Mary T. Washington Wylie, from a 1978 magazine
Born	Mary Thelma Morrison April 21, 1906 Vicksburg, Mississippi
Died	July 2, 2005 Chicago, Illinois
Other names	Mary T. Washington Wylie
Occupation	Accountant

Mary T. Washington (born April 21, 1906 – died July 2, 2005) was a true pioneer! She was the very first African-American woman to become a certified public accountant (CPA) in the United States. A CPA is a special kind of accountant who has passed tough exams and is licensed to help people and businesses with their money and taxes.

Early Life and Learning

Mary Thelma Morrison was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Her parents were Daisy and William Morrison. Her father was a carpenter. Sadly, her mother passed away when Mary was only six years old. After this, Mary was raised by her grandparents in Chicago.

Mary was a very bright student. She was especially good at math. She went to Wendell Phillips High School. Later, she studied business at Northwestern University. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1941.

Her Amazing Career

While she was still in college, Mary worked at Douglas National Bank in Chicago. After she graduated, she got a new job. She worked at Binga State Bank. This was one of the most important Black-owned businesses in Chicago during the 1920s.

Starting Her Own Business

In 1939, Mary decided to start her own company. She called it Mary T. Washington & Co. This company helped businesses and individuals with their accounting and taxes. She was very successful.

Training Future Accountants

Mary didn't just work for herself. She also helped many young Black accountants. She trained them and showed them how to succeed. In 1968, she teamed up with one of her students. They formed a new company called Washington & Pittman. Later, in 1976, another partner joined. The company then became Washington, Pittman & McKeever, LLC. Mary retired from her accounting firm in 1975.

Her Life and Legacy

Mary had a daughter named Barbara with her first husband, Seymour Washington. She later married Donald Melvin Wylie. They had a son named Donald Wylie Jr. Mary and Donald also adopted other children.

Mary T. Washington passed away on July 2, 2005, in Chicago. She was 99 years old. She left behind her five children and many grandchildren.

Honoring Her Memory

Mary's amazing work is still remembered today. The Illinois CPA Society and the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois created a special fund in her name. It's called the Mary T. Washington Wylie Opportunity Fund. This fund helps to support diversity in the accounting world.

In 1978, she received the Fred Hampton Scholarship Fund Image Award. The City of Chicago has even declared September 30 as Mary T. Washington Wylie Day! This special day honors her as a true pioneer in accounting.