Maurice Washington

Maurice Johnson Washington, long-time resident of Decatur Illinois, died Friday the first of March, 2019 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield Illinois.  Maurice was born on June 10, 1951 in Chicago Illinois to Reamell Harris Downer Johnson and Claude Johnson.  Her early years were spent in Madison, Arkansas and the Bronzeville area of Chicago, Illinois.  Maurice received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 1976. She continued her education at UIUC from which she received her Masters in Social Work in 1991. Maurice was employed by Decatur School District #61, Macon County Court Services, T.A.S.C., Inc, and Webster Cantrell Hall. Maurice was active in the community serving on the Board of Directors of the YWCA, the Youth Advocate Program (Vice President and President), Growing Strong, and the Shemamo Girl Scout Council (Strategic Planning and Nominating committees).  Maurice loved her grandchildren, traveling, and crafting. She enjoyed connecting with extended family members through genealogical research. Maurice married Oscar Washington III in 1973.  Three children were born to this union: Charis Washington, Evan (Samantha) Washington, and Cecily Washington. Leaving to cherish Maurice are her three children; Sister - Jeanie Cole, Decatur Illinois; Grandchildren - Darren Wynn, Brittani Matthews, Marlon Matthews, Micah Matthews, Azariah Washington, Braelyn Matthews, Evan Drake Washington; and Uncle - Abell (Marvie) Harris: Special friends Alana Brooks, Brenda Porter, Deborah Bond, Geneva Johnson, and Norma and James Woodland. Also leaving to cherish Maurice are a host of cousins and friends. Maurice was preceded in death by: Mother - Reamell Johnson; Father - Claude Johnson; Grandparents - Duerell Sr. and Mattie Mitchell Harris, Eara Flowers Boby and Albert Johnson; Loving Companion - Sammie Woodland; and Uncles - Duerell Harris II and Cleazell Harris.  Memorial gifts may be made to Webster Cantrell Hall 1942 E. Cantrell, Decatur IL 62521; and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238, Boston MA 02241-4238.