Irvin Washington's Obituary
Irvin Washington entered into this world on October 7, 1948 to Arissa Parker and Willie Washington by way of Valdosta, Georgia. He spent his early childhood with his mother Ms. Parker traveling between Alachua, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia. Wanting their grandson to have stability, Margret and Warren Carter kept and raised him in Valdosta, Georgia where he remained through his junior year in High School at Pineville High School - where he was on track to graduate as class validictorian. Just before his senior year he decided to move to Baltimore, Maryland in 1965 - to the famous Fayette Street reuniting with his father Willie and step mother Ophelia Washington. It was here on Fayette Street, where Irvin formed a strong bond with his brother Edmond Washington. It was also on Fayette Street where he met the love of his life and wife to be Josephine Green, who lived just two doors down from his home of 1829 Fayette Street. Irvin graduated from Edmonson High School and subsequently gratuated in 1965.
Irvin had a thirst for knowledge, which was instilled in him from his doting grandmother, Margeret Carter. He continued his formal education at Catonsville Community College, where he received several Presidential Awards and later matriculated to Morgan State University.
Irv made the decision to begin working at Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), to provide for his young family, and was unable to continue his collegiate education. After several years with BGE, he moved on to work at the Maryland Transportation Authority at BWI Airport before enrolling in the Police Academy and working as one of the first wave of Black Troopers for Maryland State Police (MSP) on July 1, 1977. He often spoke of the adversity he faced as one of the few Black Maryland State Troopers. Despite these obstacles, he ascended the ranks and ultimately retired as a Sergeant on July 1, 2000.
Irvin and Josephine took an early retirement and moved to Summerfield, Florida. After several years they built their second dream home in Mt Dora, Florida. During his retirement, he was an avid fisherman and an active member of the African American Club at Spruce Creek. He also continued his favorite pastime of riding his motorcycle - by which he made several long distance cross county trips. During his retirement, he remained close with lifelong friends from Pineville High School, as well as Troopers from the Maryland State Police. Several whom also retired to Florida and kept up their favorite pastime of Pinochle. Often when his family called to speak to Pop Pop, Nana Joe would relay the message that Pop Pop was off playing cards and to call him on his cell phone.
It was at their home, in Mt Dora where Irvin suddenly and unexpectly departed this earth on September 27th, 2022.
Irvin was a man of many talents. He was the family photographer, documenting and immortalizing not only grand events, but everyday and seemingly mundane daily life events. Everything he did, was to the best of his ability, photography was just the beginning. With the MSP he was a Pistol Master. He was a great story teller and would turn any and everything into a learning moment or life lesson.
Irvin loved to keep his friends and family close, he and Josey would often host epic gatherings with great food, great laughs and amazing memories. A disciplinarian, he expected those he loved to always put their best foot forward and did not accept mediocrity - he would often say, "I'll accept a hard C over an easy A."
Irvin is remembered and will be dearly missed by his wife of 55 years, Josephine; son, Rodney Washington (Tiffany Escarra) of Hollywood, Florida; daughters, Lakeasha Washington of Elliott City, Maryland and Titisha Hemlick (Matthew) of Severn, Maryland; grandchildren, Nicolette McClendon, Courtney Washington, Noah Washington, Joshua Washington, Corey Robinson, Jaden Sophia Washington, Marisol Guada, Darius Helmick, and Sydney Helmick; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Annette Hamlin, Brenda & Charles Code, James & Debbie Green, Johnny Green, Teddy Green, Stella Williams, Windy & Jeffrey Jordan, and Mildred Green, nephews Brieyon Martin and Torez Jones along with former daughter-in-law, Collette Washington. Irvin was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edmond Washington and sister Robin Washington, cousin Willie Pearl, and niece Careasha Martin.
Irvin will be loved and missed dearly by all that knew him.
Family and friends are invited to gather in the funeral home chapel for viewing on Saturday, October 8 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
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