Josephine H. Washington

Josephine Harris - Washington peacefully passed away at the age of 97 on Sunday, June 1, 2025. She was born on July 21, 1927, in Greene County, Alabama, to the late William Eddie Harris and Mary Eliza Harris. Josephine was very much loved and affectionately known to her family as Sister.

Josephine accepted Christ at an early age and united with Elizabeth Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, under the leadership of Reverend Virgil Spencer.

Josephine was educated in the school system of Alabama. During her high school years, she pursued a career in cosmetology. She was a hairstylist for many years for family and friends. She also worked in housekeeping for a few years, but her greatest joy was caring for and nurturing Rayna, Jazz, and Christian.

In 1970, she married the late Archie Washington and moved to Mansfield, Ohio. Since that time, she had been a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She was secretary of the Senior Choir and secretary of the Willing Worker Club. During the last years of her life, she attended church as much as her health would allow. Her family and church family gave her the strength to finish her journey here on earth.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, William Eddie Harris and Mary Eliza Harris, her brothers, S.J. Harris, William Eddie Harris Jr., Willie Harris, Curtis Harris, sister Lucille Jennings, daughters Mary McCrary and Valora Hester.

She leaves five children to cherish her life, Gwendolyn Brown of Chattanooga, TN, Charles Merriweather of Chattanooga, TN, Cynthia (Dennis) Baker of Mansfield, OH, George Merriweather Jr. of Tuscaloosa, AL, Gerald (Claudia) Merriweather of Mansfield, OH, 35 grandchildren, 92 great grandchildren, 14 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Special Lifetime Friends Gracie Corder of Detroit, MI, and Mary McDonald of Mansfield, OH, and Special Goddaughters Sara Carter, Nettie Ballard, and Patrice Smith.

On behalf of Josephine Harris Washington’s family, a special thank you to the Liberty Nursing Home Nurses, Aides, and Activity Staff for caring for our loved one over the years.