John Earl Washington, Jr., (affectionately known as “Skippy”) entered into
eternal rest on Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Upon graduating from I.C. Norcom High School, John enlisted into the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War. After four years of service he attended Norfolk State University where he received an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. John continued his education at Hampton University earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and later a Master’s Degree from Florida Tech in Business Administration.
While at Norfolk State, John became a member of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he earned the line name “Skibo”. He was initiated into the Chapter on December 16, 1971. John is a life member of the Grand Chapter and has served as a Past Polemarch of the Portsmouth/Suffolk Alumni Chapter. He is also a Charter Member of the Portsmouth Alumni Chapter. John was a Vietnam Veteran, and assigned to various overseas tours of duty. He served as an Operating Room Nurse and retired in 1993 with the Rank of Major.
He was employed by the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD until his retirement. John obeyed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the year 2000 and became a member of the Deer Park Church of Christ in Baltimore, MD. In 2013, he and his wife, Gladys retired to the Chesapeake area to be close to family. Known as a generous and Christian man, he and Gladys began worshiping with the Chesapeake Church of Christ where he served faithfully and diligently as a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Prison Ministry and
was available when needed in other capacities.
Retirement allowed him to share more special moments with his children and grandchildren. John gained new hobbies and a fond interest in woodworking. He now had time to experience the glorious teenage years of his twin granddaughters, Akiva & Akilah; they enjoyed “facetime” Bible study weekly with Grandpa. He assisted with school projects and attended many of their activities. John even put his wood-working skills to work by
assisting with building floats for the twins. He proudly attended Jeslyn’s kindergarten programs; fixing those things that Little Greg insisted were broken and yet still had time to witness, advice and encourage others. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Gladys Washington; two daughters; Katrice Washington Murphy (Aaron) and Gretchen Cannida (Cleveland); three sons; John “BJ” Washington, III, Gregory Parker (Amoge) and Dr. George Parker(Tonya), sister -in-law, Carolyn Tabor (Edward) and brother – in-law, Wallace Tatem, Jr. John is also the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
John was predeceased by his parents, John Earl Washington Sr. and Dorothy Moss Washington; his brother, Julio Washington and his sister, Loretta
Washington Robinson.
Condolences(5)-
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Dolon Peete says
March 4, 2019 at 11:49 amMy thoughts are with you in your time of grief. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief. Please accept my deepest condolences.
And may “the God of comfort,” comfort you at this time of sorrow. 2Corinthians 1:3,4
jw.org (Website for more encouragement.)
Ed and Susan Beachum says
March 4, 2019 at 5:35 pmDear Gladys and family, John was an awesome example of a Christian and we found his prayers to be so humble and meaningful. We are praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. We feel that John is now reaping all the rewards that he so richly deserves. May God bless you all! We love you very much and will always be surrounding you with lots of hugs and encouragement.
Dale and Sandra Cotton says
March 6, 2019 at 4:05 pmTo Gladys and Family. Bro. Washington was a wonderful person. You could always see the joy that he had as he served the Lord. It was reflected through his smile and outstanding service to Christ. He truly let his light shine. He will really be missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God uplift, comfort and keep you as you face each passing day.
Leland T Forbes Epsison Zeta 1972 says
March 8, 2019 at 12:16 pmBrother Washington was a terrific \Frat Brother. He always paid me compliments for keeping brothers of Epsilon Zeta informed of different events. I’m going to miss those texts from him. You are home with the Father and may he keep you more uplifted than you are.
Daughter says
May 25, 2020 at 4:34 pmMy dear Father I miss and love you soooo much. I have peace in my heart because I never missed a moment to tell you how much I love you. And you never missed a moment to tell me you loved me. I want to be selfish and wish you were here with me. Your faith in God shaped you into the good man you were. You deserve to be with your maker because you did the work and God gave you rest for a job well done.