Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.  Connie Washington, Jr. was a constant source of comfort and a pillar of strength to us all.  A loving and faithful man with a warm infectious smile. He has left a void that can never be filled or replaced.

Connie was born on Dec 13, 1931, in Greenville, Florida to Connie and Effie Washington.  He was one of 11 children born to that union. He was reared in a home with strong Christian values and brought up in the A.M.E. church.  He attended Greenville Training School and received his high school diploma. He was a member of the basketball team, and he also sang in a gospel quartet. He had fond memories of his high school years and attended his school reunions until he was unable to do so.

Connie met the love of his life, Alberta, in their teenage years; they migrated to Cleveland, Ohio and were married on Nov 7, 1951. This union was blessed with four children: Marian Yvonne, Larry, Constance Renee, and Alfreda Lynn.

This couple settled on the southeast side of Cleveland. Connie was the pillar of his community and played an active role in his neighborhood and the greater Cleveland area.  Some of his affiliations included the Lee-Seville Council, Block Watch, Urban League, NAACP, and Lee Harvard Community Center.  He held the title of president of the East 173rd Street Club for many years, a Cub Scout/Boy Scout leader, and played a pivotal role in the schools that his children attended.

Soon after his arrival in Cleveland, Connie became employed by Republic Steel Corp later known as LTV Steel. He was a highly respected, faithful, dependable and hard-working employee for 43 years.  Men often complained about working with him because they knew that they had to work hard to keep up with him! He worked many double shifts as well as working the ‘swing shift’ for years. Connie often joked about how he “rolled steel” to provide for his family.   He gained the respect of his coworkers as well as management due to his easy-going personality, strong work ethic and dedication to his job.

Connie was also an entrepreneur, property owner and landlord for many years.  His tenants considered him to be a caring and fair landlord, often extending grace and compassion.

Just as Connie took the lead in civic and community affairs, he was a leader in his beloved church. Connie joined St Paul AME Zion Church under the leadership of Dr A.L. Fuller in the early 50’s.  He served on several auxiliaries, including class leader, Sunday School teacher, Steward board, Men’s Day committee, and Male Chorus.  One of Connie’s favorite church activities was singing in the Chancel Choir. He loved the Chancel Choir as he served as president for over 25 years.  He enjoyed singing for the Lord and continued to sing until he was no longer able to do so.  He remained faithful to St Paul AME Zion, and he was happy serving his church.

Connie love to travel with his wife, domestically and internationally, including the Middle East, Germany, Mexico, and many Caribbean islands. His children and grandchildren have fond memories of their annual summer vacation trips traveling all over the United States.  They especially enjoyed returning to their winter home in Orlando, Florida. Connie and Alberta truly enjoyed their retirement years as they were true ‘snowbirds’. They attended Mt Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church during the months they resided in Florida. They left the north as soon as the weather turned cold and usually returned in late May once the weather warmed back up.

Connie was gregarious, friendly, encouraging, and had a positive personality; he also had a true love of people as he spent a lot of time visiting those in hospitals, nursing homes, and those sick and shut in their homes.  Connie had lots of friends as he never met a stranger.

Connie valued education and was proud of his children and grandchildren’s education achievements.  He was a father figure to many people; his children’s friends often lovingly called him ‘Dad’.  Connie loved his grandchildren and played an integral part in each of their lives. He was very protective of his loved ones, and he was the epitome of a godly father and family man.

After the love of his family, friends and church…. we must talk about the love Connie had for a good, strong, hot cup of coffee.  No matter who, what, when, where or how, Connie always had to have his daily coffee.  The next time you have a cup of coffee, take a moment to reflect on the memory of Connie.  His final years were spent residing at The Rose Senior Living Facility in Beachwood, Ohio where he was well liked and made many friends with other residents and caretakers. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Connie’s journey on this earth exemplifies a life well lived and now he has received his crown.  He has left a lasting legacy that will endure for generations to come.  He will be sorely missed.

Connie was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta.

He leaves to mourn children Marian (Fred), Larry (Wanda), Constance (Kenneth), Alfreda (Kevin), and Sylvia. Loving grandchildren: Nichelle, Larry, Tiffany, Lindsay, Lawrence, Kristal (Courtney), Christopher, Katerra, Tyler, Taylor, Kemi, and Ayoka.  Greatgrandchildren: Isaac, Christian, Kourtney, Khai, Kendall, Cassidy, and Lillian.  Sisters: Gertrude, Beatrice, and Carolyn.  Also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”

2 Tim 4:7.