Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | MS

Obituary For John Earl Washington

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., Autumn Woods Cemetery, 4000 W. Northside Drive, Jackson, MS 39209.

John Earl Washington was born in Vaughn, Mississippi to Warren and Claretha Shelton Washington. He was the 7th child among 12 siblings. John is known for his wit, humor and strong personality, often making someone laugh whether friend or stranger.

He was a longtime member of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Mississippi, and was not hesitant to share his faith. He loved his St. Luke’s family.

He united in Holy Matrimony to Bessie Jacobs Washington and to this union two daughters, Erika Washington Depriest (Robert) and Sonia Elise Washington, were born. He had one grandson, Jonathon Rashad Depriest.

His father, mother and oldest brother, Warren, Jr., preceded him in death. He is survived by four brothers, Earl (Viola), Eddie (Betty/deceased), Theotis (LaPearl), and Nathaniel (Julia) all of Jackson, Mississippi, and six sisters, Velma (Amos), Mary Alice (Aaron), Christine (David/deceased), Abbie (Johnny), Mae (Lester) all of Jackson, Mississippi, and Mary Elizabeth (Tony) of Hiram Georgia.

He leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members, friends, in-laws, and associates.

Guest Book

To the Washington Family: John made a lasting impression on us as well and we were very sorry to hear of his passing. As others have said, there was no one like him. Elder Washington was cheerful, funny, kind, and helpful especially to children, ours included---so grateful for the time we shared in Christ at St. Luke's. May God continue to comfort and bless you, the Spurlock Family.

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Sending prayers up for your family and friends

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Sorry for your loss Bessie and Washington family,may God strengthen you-Thomas West &Family

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Bessie, as the leader of the Mitigation team, I want you to know that John was beloved by those in the division and beyond. He was respected by his peers, the leadership team and his customers. I will miss John's sense of humor, broad rimmed hats, quick jokes and always friendly smile. He was a class act and I and the team will miss him. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss.You, John and your family have been in my prayers during this difficult time. Godspeed to you. Sandy Keefe

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So many fond memories of John and his wonderful spirit and smile. Working with him was a true pleasure and knowing him was a privilege. My heart is with you and your family. Many prayers for you. Paloma Alaniz

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I was so shocked and saddened to hear about John's passing. I always enjoyed working with him, and will miss his smile and his energy. All of his friends here in Louisiana will. I pray for your comfort and peace. Sandra Dugas

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Dear Bessie and Family - I am sorry to hear of John's passing. He was always such a crack-up. When I first met him, John came out to Santa Fe to provide training. We spent two days straight talking about State Management costs. Somehow he made it interesting and fun.... believe me, that is really something special! He was a fine human being and will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Wendy Blackwell, NM DHSEM

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My condolences to and prayers for the Family. John and I use to joke all the time about "growing up" in passing since we didn't work together. Another good brother gone too soon who will be missed. Bless you and your family during this trying time. Ronald W. Thomas Sr., MERS

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I am so shocked and sorry to hear about John's passing. He was such a witty and mellow man. I asked him to emcee our HMA workshops because I knew he would keep everyone entertained. I knew him to be a man of great faith and I pray for God's comfort and peace for you and the girls during this time. Camille Crain

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Very sorry to receive this news. James S. Smith

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My deepest condolences for your loss. John was such a goodhearted and happy soul. It was an honor to have worked with him. Sarah Carrino

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There are some people in this world that you just appreciate being around and John was one of those people. In my short time working as a FEMA Reservist, there were 4 times when we were both deployed to the JFO in Baton Rouge. He was friendly, joyful and very helpful. I was greatly saddened this week to learn of his passing. I did not get a chance to get a chance to see the personal side of John's life and today that is one of my regrets. I offer my prayers. Rest in peace John, good and faithful servant. Craig Skalet

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You have left a POSITIVE mark on this world that will never fade! Thank your for your charisma, kind words, and positivity! Rest in peace my friend. Shontae Davis

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It was a privilege and an honor to have worked along side John. You have my thoughts and prayers. Mike Garcia

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May God's grace, peace and strength be with you today and always. Shontae Davis

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I am so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure working with John. Wising you strength and peace during this difficult time. Colleen Sciano

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My deepest condolences to you and your family. Jackie Alvarado

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Condolences to the family. May God bless you all with peace and comfort. Please know that he was a very valuable asset when I worked with him in Texas. Vanessa Haggie-McClure

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Wishing Bessie God's guidance and strength to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. My wife, Florence, and I worked with John at the Texas Recovery Office in Austin, where we got to know him for his impeccable character - May his Soul Rest in Peace. Francis E. Aihe

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So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Loree Boyanton

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My sincerest condolences. John will be sorely missed in the office. Christy Weiser

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He was an amazing person. Hope you will find comfort in your memories of him. Martha Uribe

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he was such a lovely and charming man. I only worked with him a little, way back in 2016 but he will be missed. Chelsea Morganti

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I am offering my sincere condolences for your loss. John was a great friend and Co-worker. I used to work with him during my time in Mitigation. He was always very positive and friendly. He will be missed. Roberto Ramirez

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Bessie, There are never enough words that can express the deep sorrow I/We share with you and your family. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you, your children and family. God will comfort you in times such as these. I am honored to have known John and work with him over the past few years. John was loved and he brought so much love into our world through his actions, his words, his humor, his positive spirit will always be with me and others he touched along the way with his presence. Kande Moore

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Devastating to hear of John's passing, So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Lisa Jennings

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May the Lord bring comfort to you and your family. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Katrina M. Alexander - FEMA Baton Rouge Office

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Praying that happy memories of John keep him alive in your hearts and brings peace t each day. So sorry to learn of his passing. He will be missed dearly. He was my go to for questions on life in Frisco, and I feel blessed to have known him, even if just for a short while. Sandra Petersen

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I heard the name John Washington for years before I actually met him. When I say a new face in the Baton Rouge office, I knew right away who it was! he will be missed! He always exhibited joy and excellence and swagger! I will be praying for his family. To his wife and family, please accept my deepest condolences. John Washington mad a positive mark on this world. His example of joy, professionalism and excellence shall never be forgotten. He has left his family an honorable legacy! Celu Bering

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So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Loree Boyanton

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I will always remember John for his personality, he was always so funny. He was a sassy dresser when it came to his wardrobe. What I will remember most about him is when he and Bessie would give me a ride to school everyday at "Thee" Jackson State University where we all attended. John and Bessie were true and loyal JSU fans. Those were the most memorable times when we were all at the football games. Another thing that I will always remember is that no matter where they were or what they were doing, you can rest assured that they were watching their favorite soap opera at 12:00 each and everyday. John will surely be missed. Just know Bessie, that you and your family are in my prayers. Love your niece Bob

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Bessie, my heart sadden when l heard of John's Homegoing. You and the girls with entire Washington family has my Deepest SYMPATHY. I know how much he LOVED you and the girls. Thinking about him now brings a smile on my face. He was so protective and so much in LOVED with you. I have enjoyed seeing your LOVE journey from the late 60 until now. John was your FIRST and ONLY LOVE. What a BLESSING. My prayer is that God' Holy Sprit. Continue to Comfort and Keep you now and forever. Love, Diane Brown Glass

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Dear Bessie, My heartfelt condolences to you and your daughter. You and John are very dear to me and my prayers will be with you as you journey onward through your life. Your are a strong woman of faith, and you know God Almighty will see you through. With love, Yolanda Gamble

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May God provide peace and strengthen you for the days ahead. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, either shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 Joretta Simmons

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I am so sorry for you loss. John was always so welcoming in the office. I will miss walking by John's office in the mornings just to say Hi. He always had a smile to share. I will miss him. Gary Zimmerer

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Such a wonderful and caring classy gentleman! You will be forever missed. Julia Walsh

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John was such a special coworker. Always friendly and ready to help. I retired 3 years ago and have definitely missed him. I send my love and prayers of comfort. Connie Dill

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Sending prayers and comforting hugs. John will be missed. Jackson MS Disaster 1604 Katrina. Yvonne Banks

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Sorry to hear about your loss. John was an amazing soul. So many funny memories! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family! Danielle Brown- Tolson

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My friend, May your rest in peace. Know that we are better people for having known your. Peace for your family. Gilbert Giron

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John and I met in 2006 when I started with FEMA in Jackson during Hurricane Katrina. He was my team lead, JSU alumni buddy and good friend. Our Mississippi Team became very close and we were sad to see him leave but Texas gained a "Gem" of a man! 12 years later we met again in Austin, Texas! Mrs. Washington and Family - May God Grant You the Strength to Carry On Through This Most Trying Time!!! Blessings... Pat. Williams

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Heartfelt sympathy for your loss of a wonderful human being. John will be missed. Pat Schaffer

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John introduced me to my first pecan pie vending machine on one of our site visits. I will never forget his humor, kind nature and Godly heart. My depest sympathies for you loss. - Stacy Boes

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I am sorry for you loss. John was more than loved he was treasured. I will keep your family in my prayers during this time. Melanie King

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I am so sorry for you loss!! John was like a mentor to me; someone I can bounce things off of. He will certainly be missed. Prince Aryee

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With deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of sorrow. W will never forget our beginning in FEMA with John after Hurricane Katrina DR 1604 MS in 2005. We will truly miss him. Joyce and Herman Price

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John was a man with a presence. That was my first thought when I met him long ago. I worked with John and my first impression of John did not change. he was such a positive guy. One time I commented about his "swagger". I said he looked like a high school hotshot strolling down the hall. He laughed, of course, and told me he had perfected it a long time ago. I'm sorry he's gone, but I can see him now swaggering with angels. I hope you find comfort in knowing the positive impact he had. Kathy Reimer

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Washington Family, Prayers and condolences to each of you for you loss. May God continue to comfort and bless you. I met John in 2018 at the Austin JFO, it was a pleasure getting to work with him and learn from his years of FEMA experience. Also, he was always eager to share healthy lifestyle tips. Blessings, Sharon Winstead

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I am so sorry for your loss. I sat next to John for 10 years. I will miss his funny personality and all of his advice and wisdom. He will be truly missed. Marty

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The Texas Division of Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Division was saddened to hear of John's passing. He was our partner and advocate for protecting Texans from disaster. He will be missed. Josh Davies / TDEM

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I remember John's very first day with FEMA in Jackson, Mississippi in the fall of 2005 in support of Hurricane Katrina. He was then and remained the epitome of a true southern gentleman; a quality often not found in a disaster recovery work. He will be greatly missed in the Agency. You have my deepest sympathies. Nancy L. Parker

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I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. It was a pleasure to work with him, and his personality made our regional workshops special. A true gentleman, he will be greatly missed. Kyle Key, Arkansas Division of Emergency Management

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I am truly saddened by the loss of John. He was so charismatic and friendly. I especially enjoyed how he would sing during the workshops while he MC'd. He will sincerely be missed. Lacey Blake, Arkansas Division of Emergency Management

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John "Q" is what I called him. I'm not sure why but it stuck and he never asked me to stop. John an I have been cool since the day he began working in our Division. He was the coolest person up there and we always had a great conversations. What I will remember the most is John and his Blue Moon beer. He had me helping him smuggling in that beer on campus that we got from the local Wal Mart knowing alcohol was not allowed on campus. He was such a character and will be missed dearly. Carlenya Veasley

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Bessie- His sweet voice, and NBA banter will be missed drifting over our joint cube wall. He was a joy to work with, and a smile and friend that will be missed. Alan Johnson

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My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. My prayers are with you! Christina Gonzalez

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Mrs. Washington, I express my deepest condolences and prayers to you and your daughter and family. Mr. Washington was a great inspiration and mentor at FEMA especially to me. I really admired his inspiration and humor. He was a honorable man whom I looked up to and respected as a mentor. It was also a pleasure to have met your and fellowship with your here in Austin, TX. May God continue to bless you and your daughter and may he give you strength and comfort. Blessings, Keshia Sanders

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Bessie, I had the honor of working with your husband at FEMA. We did not work in the same Division so our interaction was intermittent. With that said, he made quite the impression on me (and others)! He struck me as professional, kind and always had a smile on his face. He even had the toughness to lead a team of federal personnel in Beaumont, Texas after Hurricane Harvey devastated the area. I will always remember your husband! I am praying for you and your family. River Stuckey

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You and your family are in my prayers. John will be missed, great guy who always mad others smile!!!! Richard

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John was such a lovely and elegant man. He always introduced us to his favorite restaurants whenever we were working in Baton Rouge. I will think of him whenever I am enjoying my favorite back of the stove chicken at Bistro Byronz. His grace and elegance will be missed. Ann Furbay

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John was a very good and kind man. It was an honor to know and work with him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cindy Wirz

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John will always be known as a fun spirited and dedicated family man. God bless you all. Laetoya Black

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I will miss John! He was a very sweet person ad was always ready to help when needed. He also had a wonderful personality. My condolences to his family, they will be in my prayers. Kelly Minshall

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Almost everday I'd pass by John's desk and say "JOHN WASHINGTON" just because I liked saying his name. He'd always reply, "What's going on , buddy?" I'll miss that; he was always a pleasure to talk to and always left me in a better mood that I was before our talk. I'm sorry for your tremendous loss, and hope you fund peace in the days to come. Bart Moore

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My prayers and condolences go out to you. Merina Christoffersen, FEMA EHP

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John was always helpful and kind to me, he will be missed. Brian Bartley

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John was always so upbeat and positive. He will be missed. Amanda Adaire

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I am so sorry for your loss. John was a great person and will be missed. I will keep you all in my prayers. Doray Hill

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I've always said that John represented the epitome of a Southern Gentleman. He was gracious, sweet, and very diligent in his work. He will be missed not only for the work he did but for his grace and pleasantness in all things. May God wrap his comforting arms around you, Ms Bessie as you move thru this difficult time. Many blessings to you and to all of John's family. Tammy Hodges

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May the unfathomable divine mercy of Jesus be with you during this time of loss and ma His peace that exceeds all understanding comfort you today and always. Blessings and Peace, Jackie Howard, FEMA EHP

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My heart felt condolences at the loss of your husband. I will always remember John for his laugh, corny jokes and the way he would walk down a hallway. There was no one else like him. He was always so kind and willing to step up in any situaion. We are at a loss without him but take solace in the fact that his pain is gone and he is cycling among angels.Brie Schmidtke

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John will surely be missed. My work life will no longer be the same without John. He was such a good friend and a great working partner, full of knowledge. May God give you the fortitude to bear this huge loss. Florence

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Ms. Bessie, my heart breaks for you to hear about John's passing. He was such a sweet man, his hats and his smiles made the work day brighter. My prayers are with your family during this time of loss. Jen Knecht

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | MS