Joe Franklin Washington

Joe Franklin Washington was born July 27, 1941 in Tyler, Texas to the late DeWitt Washington, Sr. and Naomi Rider Washington.  He is a graduate of Jackson High School, Tyler, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Army shortly after graduation.

Joe married the love of his life, Jo Nell Garrett of Kilgore, on October 24, 1959. To this union, five children were born. After serving over 5 years in the United States Army and receiving an Honorable Discharge, Joe settled down in Somerset, New Jersey.  He worked at Public Service Gas and Electric Company in New Brunswick, New Jersey for 36 years, retiring as a Supervisor and Local 855 Union President in December 1999.  Shortly after retirement, Joe and his wife moved back to Texas, building their home in Kilgore, Texas, where they united with the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Kilgore.  He served as an active member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church as a Trustee before becoming a Deacon.

Joe enjoyed traveling with his family, playing the guitar, fishing, cooking, music, and entertaining other people.  He loved his family dearly and found a special joy in God’s word and sharing it with others.  He was a member of the Liberty City Gospel Airs and enjoyed playing his guitar at church every Sunday, as well as at home alone or with family and friends.  He was always the person that tried to cheer you up, even when he was down.  He was a strong and religious man, honoring God for his ups as well as downs.  He was a helper and friend to all he met and easily forgave those who had done him wrong. He was a loving husband to his wife, a caregiver, provider and mentor to his children and mentor and friend to others he knew.  He was a true and faithful servant until his Father called him home for a just reward.

Joe departed from this life on October 6, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Nell; his son, Jerry of Dallas; a daughter at birth; brothers, Johnny Alvin, William Lawrence and DeWitt; and his parents.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Jannifer L. Washington-Griffin (Howard Sr.) of Lufkin; sons Jarvis Washington (Bettina) of Arkansas, and Joseph Washington of Kilgore; daughter-in-law, Paula Mack-Washington of Dallas; brothers Calvin Washington (Neta) of Kilgore and Cleveland Washington of Tyler; sisters Amanda Scott (Marshall) and Earnestine Warren, both of Tyler; sisters-in-law Evelyn Washington and India Timms of Kilgore and Loretta Simon of Forney; brothers-in-law Royce Garrett (Susan) of Lufkin and Cain Garrett (Deb) of Rhode Island; grandchildren Tandy Caraway-Bolton and Brandon Caraway of Dallas, Courtney Kovacs and Christian Washington of New Jersey; Howard Griffin, Jr. of Lufkin; and Marcus, Paul, Bryson and Roman Mack; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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