Kathryn Delois Washington

Homegoing for Kathryn Delois Washington

January 29, 2022

Kathryn Delois Washington was born on September 13th, 1938 to the union of Estella and Teddy Bell in Washington County, Mississippi. She was the fifth of fifteen children. 

She started working early as a child on her family farm in Mississippi. She continued this strong work ethic well into her adult life. She also continued her education at the local community college. She was a seamstress, a real estate agent, a caterer, home decorator and home health aide. She was an entrepreneur before the word was popular. She was a virtuous woman of God with many talents. 

She moved to Chicago, Illinois after she met the love of her life, Ernest J. Washington, Jr. (who preceded her in death on March 16th, 1992). They united in Holy Matrimony on December 24th, 1960. To this union, five children were born. They devoted their life to God’s Ministry as Pastor and First Lady of the Church of God in Harvey, IL. 

Shortly after becoming a widow, she moved to Jackson, TN. In 2009, and then she moved to Midlothian, VA. with her daughter. 

She will always be remembered by her generous spirit, encouraging words and uplifting voice. She will also be remembered for her many sayings, especially “Pause if you must, but just don’t quit.” She always emphasized Faith in God, Family and Hard Work.

On January 21st, 2022, Delois Kathryn Washington went home to be with the Lord. She leaves cherished memories to her five children: Wayne (Jennifer) Washington of Ann Arbor, MI; Serena (Bernard) Payne of Hanover Park, IL; Tyris (Mili) Washington of Charlotte, NC; Roderick Washington of Harvey, IL and Shalonda (Cle) Ferrell of Midlothian, VA. Eleven grandchildren: Theresa, Gabriella, Teddy, Bernard, Jessica, Lauren, Kaavya, Bryson, Kabir, Kayla and Kahlil. Siblings: Selma Marshall (Deceased), Marva Bell, Dotsie Bell, Willie Mae Jefferson, Geraldine Martin, Arnetha Inge. Brothers: Theodore Bell Jr (Deceased), Charles Bell (Deceased), Jerry Bell (Deceased), Willie ‘Joe’ Bell, Printis Bell, Donnie Bell, Morris Bell and Terry Bell. A host of other special nieces, nephews, granddchildren, great grandchildren, relatives, church family and friends. 

Services will be held at: Full Gospel Christian Assemblies (3451 175th St. Hazel Crest, IL).

Wake will be Saturday, January 29th from 9-10am, followed by Funeral service from 10-11:30.

Burial will immediately follow at Washington Memorial Cemetery (701 Ridge Rd. Homewood, IL), where she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Pastor Ernest J. Washington Jr. (who preceded her in death on March 16, 1992)

The repast will be at the Church of God (14901 S. Honore Ave).

W.W. Holt Funeral Home (175 W 159th St, Harvey, IL 60426, 708 331-0310) is officiating, if anyone would like to send flowers, please send direct to the funeral home.

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