Evangelist Elizabeth Ann Washington was born to Alex and Fannie Mae Johnson in Roba, Alabama on January 28th, 1950 (both parents preceded her in death). She was raised by her grandparents (Dillard and Estelle Washington) until the age of five. Hollie (as she was affectionately called) was the fourth of six children and had one step-sister. Four siblings (William, Estelle, Jerry and Linda her step-sister) preceded her in death. Hollie accepted Christ very early and was baptized at Stone Temple Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois under the pastorialship of Rev. Marcellus Stone. The family later joined Rose of Sharon Baptist Church also in Chicago, IL where she received her calling to the ministry at the age of 13 under the leadership and guidance of Rev. James Murphy and her mother, Superior Mother/Bishop Fannie James. Hollie's formal education started at Medill Elementary School, leading to Julius Hayes Hess Upper Grade Center where she mastered the skill of tap dancing and swimming. Hollie's passions were to strap on her gear and grab her fishing pole with her son Byron, taking jabs at her granddaughter Helena during the football season and taking after her favorite aunt Callie Mae baking her famous cakes and pies for her family.

 

Hollie was a compassionate person and worked in several Nursing Homes as an aide in Chicago. She was a cashier at Jewel Grocery Store, a TSA attendant for United Airlines at O'Hare Airport. She also found employment here in South Bend in the hotel industry.

 

Hollie met and married the love of her life, Melvin Washington, on November 19, 1965. To this union five children were born, four boys (Melvin Jr, Bernard, Ivory Kendall (preceding her in death)) and Byron; one daughter, Angela. Not only was their union blessed, as they both loved to sing praises to God, but all five of their children could be heard lifting their voices in praise.

 

Hollie's gift of singing was a blessing to her in more ways than one, as her gift made room for her as she sang her way into St. John Grand Lodge O.E.S (Queen Esther Chapter #1) as the Recording Secretary, having never to ride the proverbial "goat." Her singing took her, The Washington Singers and the family group known as the "Evervans" to various cities.

 

Out of the six children, Hollie was the defender and peacemaker of the family. You would often see her with her sister Dot in hand, leading the way to clear up any misunderstandings. It was this defense mechanism that kicked in even to the amazement of her health care providers.

 

Hollie relocated to South Bend, Indiana in 2000. Where she continued her Evangelistic duties at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Where she worked faithfully until her health failed as a Mother under the pastorialship of Rev. Keith D. Witherspoon.

 

Hollie's first song was "Something Got A Hold Of Me" and on the evening of Saturday (September 18) at 11:47 p.m. the song became a reality, taking her to her signature song "I'm Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up In Jesus" as He tenderly wrapped her in His arms of love and carried her home.

 

Hollie leaves to carry on her legacy of love, her loving husband of fifty-six years, Melvin Washington Sr., three sons, Rev. Melvin Washington Jr. (Donica) of Chicago, IL, Bernard (Shalonda) of Chicago, IL,  Rev. Byron Washington (Tammie) of Des Moines, IA.; Two Daughters, Angela Washington and Sharess Washington of South Bend, IN; one brother, Ivory Johnson of Atlanta, GA, one sister, Bishop Dorothy Jones of Chicago, Illinois; sister-in-law Carrie Washington of Chicago, IL; three brothers-in-law, Bernard Washington Jr. (Betty), Andrew Washington (Leola) and Homer Washington, all of Chicago Illinois, Seventeen Grandchildren, Chaketta, Atrell, Julius Sr., Sharess, Helena, Cheneka, Justin Sr.(Jerrica), Ivan, Rhianna, Kiara, Taylor, Aaliyah, Tyra, Jaylin, Asia and Kendall. A host of Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 

God has spoken and we say Amen.

 

Service Details are as follows

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Viewing 10:00 AM

Service 11:00 AM 

Bethlehem Baptist Church, 24393 Fillmore Rd, South Bend, IN

Burial Mount Pleasant Cemetery