Julie Hunter Collison-Careathers

Julie Hunter Collison-Careathers, a member of a group trail blazing African-American real estate agents who sold DC property in the 1980s and 1990s, died on February 8, 2021.  Julie, 91, was the epitome of the come up. Born in the segregated South, Julie, who was also known as Cee-Cee, lived the glamorous life, transforming herself into a cosmopolitan woman of who lived in Europe and Africa and spoke several languages.

After graduating college, she was one of thousands of African -American who traveled North to Washington DC for the security of a federal government job. She worked for the federal government for nearly 30 years. A big proponent of entrepreneurship, she reinvented herself.   She said, “I am not done yet” and had the audacity after long civil service career to reinvent herself as a successful real estate agent.  A true trail blazer, she was a top producing Long and Foster agent, selling houses in Eckington, Petworth, Bloomingdale, and Brightwood. She helped lay the groundwork for these areas to become the sought-after neighborhoods they are today. In the 1980s and 1990s, she spread the gospel of homeownership and helped many young African-Americans buy their first  homes in the District of Columbia.

Julie married the love of her life Sinclair Careathers in 1988. Cee-Cee loved real estate but her second passion was ballroom dancing. Tangos, waltzes, Cha Chas, Cee-Cee and Sinclair would be on ballroom  floors all over DC. Julie and Sinclair were faithful members of the Banneker Ballroom Dance Club of Washington, DC. She would be dressed to the nines in her St. John gowns and her gold dancing shoes. When they were not ball room dancing, Julie and Sinclair were on a cruise or traveling the world.

Julie is survived by her daughter, Michele Collison (Williams) and son Michael Collison; her son-in-law Michael Williams,daughter-in-law, Kimberly Collison  and her stepson Stuart Careathers; her sister Betty Hunter Beatty; granddaughters Michelle Philippe, Maya Williams and Nia Collison, grandsons, Michael K. Williams, Isaiah Collison; great-granddaughter Anaya Philippe and great-grandson Amari Philippe. Her beloved husband Sinclair Careathers preceded her in death. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews. Ten of her brothers and sisters preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make a donation in Julie Collison-Careathers’ name to Manna Inc. Manna helps low to moderate income residents achieve their dream of homeownership. 6856 Eastern Avenue Nw., Suite 100, Washington, DC 20012

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