Washington, Leona I.

Sunrise August 14, 1929 – Sunset October 23, 2022

Age 93, went home to be with the Lord on the 23rd day of October, 2022, at home following an extended illness in Atlanta, GA. Leona was born on August 14, 1929 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the last surviving child of Elijah Mack and Iva (Clinkscales) Williams.

Leona was born, raised and educated in Ypsilanti, graduating from Ypsilanti High School in 1947. She was a "proud" resident of Ypsilanti. If someone asked, "Where are you from?" without hesitation she would say "Ypsilanti", not Detroit.

It was during her youth that Leona developed a love of fashion and a personal style that defined her throughout her life. That style caught the eye of a young Army Tech Sergeant Jewel Washington and the couple married September 17, 1949 in Angola, IN. Following 66 loving years of marriage, he preceded her in death on February 18, 2016.

Leona had a great work ethic. At a young age she was engaged as a domestic worker, then worked at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Leona had a long and distinguished career at her "beloved" Ford Motor Company. She was a dedicated employee of the Generator Plant in Ypsilanti for 31 years where she held various assignments throughout her career, with her last assignment as an inspector.

Leona was a people-oriented person and as a result, she made many lifelong friends. In the late 1980s, she parlayed her outgoing personality into being elected as a delegate to the U.A.W. National Convention. She was an active union advocate, giving voice and time over the course of her employment at Ford.

Leona was a spiritual person and accepted the Lord at an early age. In her early years she grew spiritually at Second Baptist Church. She was adamant that her children be exposed to God's teachings, thus Sunday School was a priority. While she strongly encouraged their participation, she provided the atmosphere for them to develop their own commitments of God's life lessons. Later on in life, she attended and was an active member of Community Church of God, where she volunteered on several church committees. Two of her favorite assignments were the kitchen committee that provided meals for all the church functions and the summer vacation bible school, where she happily chaperoned kids during their events.

Her other volunteer work included working on election day at the local polling sites during voting activity and volunteering for the Foster Grandparent Program at the Ypsilanti Public Schools Adult Education for Child Care. Through this program Leona was able to help and encourage young adults to return to school and obtain their G.E.D. Diplomas.

As a young mother of three, Leona was a fixture in her children's lives and took an active role in PTA, sports and all activities that helped educate and broaden their life's experiences. She made certain they went to summer camp and had regular vacations that included extended family as well as cultural and educational experiences. Leona instilled in each of her children the importance of knowing their heritage, keeping traditions and passing them on.

Leona was the consummate homemaker who exemplified order in every aspect of her life. She delighted in opening her home to friends at any time and will be remembered for hosting impromptu overnight visits from students during her children's college years. Many will remember such delicacies as fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread, to name a few, that she prepared at a moment's notice. She will especially be remembered for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve family gatherings. In fact, these holidays were never limited to just family, as many friends stopped by to enjoy the hospitality as well.

Leona had friends across the country and in later years, enjoyed being a member of the Red Hatters of Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti as well as affiliations with several other social clubs dating back to the late1960's. Leona and Jewel were members of the Mr. and Mrs. Social Club, where local friends got together regularly to enjoy parties, concerts, and culture events, etc. Some of her greatest memories were created while travelling with family and friends across the country and the world.

Leona leaves to cherish her memory: two sons, Michael A. Washington and Jeffrey G. (Susan) Washington; one daughter Kimberly J. Wray; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters; Ella Mae Robinson and Robena (Winifred) Parker and brothers; James, Robert Mack, Louis and Harry Williams.

The funeral service will be 12 pm Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Community Church of God, 565 Jefferson, Ypsilanti with Senior Pastor Portia Davis-Mann officiating. Burial will follow in United Memorial Gardens. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .