John Washington

John Washington was born in Chicago on January 25, 1950 to the union of Jacob and Georgia Washington. John is the second oldest of 9 children. He is proceeded in death by his father Jacob Washington, his mother Georgia Washington, mother in-law Dorothy Thrower, brother Leonard Washington, sisters Joyce Coleman, Sharon Hardy and Charmain Scott. He is survived by his wife Iris Washington, daughter Christina Thompson, son-in-law Sidney Thompson, granddaughter Shaelyn Thompson, brothers Joseph, Paul (Marie), Randy (Brenda), and Steven (Valencia) Washington. He is also survived by his brother and sister in-laws and a host of nieces and nephews. John dedicated his life to Jehovah and was baptized on November 27, 1967. He was a student of the Bible who enjoyed the ministry. John had the privilege of being trained by both older brothers and sisters and he used that training to help and train others. John would go to marry the love of his life Iris Thrower on February 27, 1971 and from that union they would have their only child Christina. John served nearly 50 years as an Elder. He also served as a Regular Pioneer on several occasions during his over 53 years of dedicated service. He had the privilege to serve with so many brothers on various bodies of Elders as well as Pioneers. He also aided many in the truth through his activity in the field ministry and performed several baptismal talks as well as directed three Bible dramas and assisted in many others on both Circuit Assemblies and Regional Conventions. John loved to cook and travel, he spent several years preparing meals for volunteers at the Romeoville Assembly Hall. He also had the joy of feeding many on RBC and LDC projects. John’s true passion was his desire to help people and looked at being an Elder as a privilege and great responsibility towards Jehovah, because he understood that the friends in the congregation was Jehovah’s sheep and how he treated them was a direct reflection on his relationship and love for Jehovah. John was a loving husband, provider and great supporter of his family. John always wanted to be a parent, a father and on June 28, 1972 that dream became a reality when Christina was born. John and Christina had developed a bond so strong over the years that he trusted her with everything. He was so proud to see her grow and develop into a fine young lady who on January 23, 1987 dedicated her life to Jehovah. Christina eventually got married to Sidney Thompson. John enjoyed and approved of that union so much that him and Sidney became more than In-laws, they became the best of friends, and from that union of Christina and Sidney, John became a grandfather on February 18, 2002. If you thought Christina made him proud, Shaelyn Marcella Thompson would become his pride and joy. John was so instrumental in her development as well and had the joy of seeing her also dedicate her life to Jehovah on July 14, 2018. John had a close-knit family and he had so many close and dear friends but the person who had the greatest impact on John’s life was his lovely wife Iris. John loved Iris so much that he would always say with terms of endearment that she was his buddy and the love of his life. He knew it was because of Iris’s love for him and the friends, that he was able to serve in the capacity he did. She was so self sacrificing of her husband. They both enjoyed sewing and making clothes. They had the privilege of making countless wedding gowns, dresses and a host of drama outfits. John would say that Iris smile could light up a room and her laugh was that of an innocent child. John loved to study the Bible with Iris and in their spare time they also loved playing cards together. What John would like to remind us all, is that it is not how you are born nor whom you are born to, but it’s what you do with the life that’s given you. John chose to live a life dedicated to Jehovah God the creator of all things. It was John’s love for Jehovah that drove and motivated him to touch our lives and now John can rest knowing he finished the course God gave him and for that he’s etched in Jehovah’s memory. As John would often say remain loyal to Jehovah, fight the fine fight and never give up and if you so happen to fall asleep in death, no worries because the great doctor Jesus will wake us up in his due time and that, God has promised. Order of Service Chairman ……………………………………………………………… Darrell Rosenthal Song 151 (Job 14:13–15)………….……...............................….….. He Will Call Obituary …………………………………………………………. Ronald Braswell Discourse ……………………………………………………….…… Thomas Smith Jr. Closing Remarks …………………………………………...… Sidney Thompson Song 139 (Revelation 21: 1-5)………………………...…. See Yourself When All Is New Prayer ………………………………………………………………. Tommy Rainey

Tributes

John Washington

January 25, 1950 - October 28, 2020