Mr. William Joseph Washington

William Joseph Washington Age 72 of Owings Mills On January 20, 1942, William Joseph Washington was the first of nine children born to the late Christine and Joseph Washington in Granite, Maryland. He departed this earthly life on the morning of July 25, 2014 following a brief period of illness. William (aka "Jo-Jo"), was baptized and attended St. Alphonsus Rodriquez Catholic Church in his youth and early adulthood. He knew the Lord! In his last weeks and days, he remarked, "I've been talking with God a lot!" He believed in the power of prayer. In his childhood, William attended the Granite School, public school #4, from first to third grade. Then, he went to Banneker School in Catonsville and subsequently Milford Mill High School from which he graduated in 1960. He also attended Catonsville Community College for nursing. He began his career at Springfield Hospital where he became a Licensed Practical Nurse and subsequently worked at Spring Grove Hospital tending to the needs of individuals with mental illness. He concluded his career as an administrator/nurse with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections Service in Baltimore, Maryland. His charge was to mediate complaints from inmates and their families about health care and treatment. He cared enough about the inmates to advocate for their needs by interacting with lawyers and politicians. He worked hard serving the people of the state of Maryland all of his life. In 1963, William responded to the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama during the time when Martin Luther King, Jr. led the Selma to Montgomery march. He told the story of being positioned on a roof-top building with other soldiers to protect the civil rights marchers. He was honorably discharged in 1969. William was a humble, selfless, man with a heart of gold. He gave generously of his time, his talent, and his possessions for the good of others. He had the gifts of listening and wisdom. People loved to talk to him and to seek his advice. He recognized the gifts of others and just made you feel better by talking to him. He was a "prince among men" and a simple, down to earth guy. William enjoyed cooking, movies, traveling, entertaining, and caring for the fish in his aquarium. He also loved a good debate, proclaiming of course that he was always right! He was a devoted husband to Doris Washington to whom he was with for forty-four years. He especially loved his granddaughter Brianna, and his grandsons Michael (MJ), Patrick, Tyler, and his namesake, William. He was a dedicated father and a thoughtful and caring brother. Love for family was his mantra. His memory will be forever cherished by his wife Doris, his children Dawn (Charles) Berkowitz, Patricia Washington, Michael (Tramaine) Washington Sr., and Daniel (Johanna) Washington; sisters Eileen Washington, Pamela Washington, Mary Lucas, and Roberta Oriolowo; his brothers Albert (Vernice) Washington, Ralph (Cecelia) Washington, and Worthington (Ella ) Washington; his nephews Neil, Jonathan, and Anthony Washington and Kirkland Lucas and his nieces Porsha Washington and Carrie (David) Thomas, grandchildren MJ Washington, Brianna Berkowitz, Patrick Lee Washington, Tyler Berkowitz, and William James Washington, great niece Taylor Thomas, great nephews Cameron Thomas, and Daniel and Joshua Washington, and friends. His brother and sister-in-law Chester and Joyce, his niece Michelle Eberlein, and his parents Christine and Joseph Washington predeceased him. The family will receive friends at the Haight Funeral Home & Chapel, 6416 Sykesville Road, Sykesville on Friday, August 1, 2014 from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Valley Baptist Church, 1401 York Rd., Lutherville. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills on Monday, August 4, 2014 at 11:30am. Family and friends should meet at the cemetery by 11:15am on Monday.

Mr. William Joseph Washington

January 20, 1942 - July 25, 2014