Oden grew up in Washington where he received his formal education in the DC Public Schools. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Navy and showed an admirable work ethic and attitude. He later was employed as a bus driver at the Army Distaff Hall (Knollwood), where he had a devoted and humorous bond with his clients. He enjoyed the good life of retirement since 2008.
On June 24, 1961, Oden married the former Mary Oliphant of Washington where they began their life together. They later established roots in Silver Spring, Maryland. This union was blessed with a daughter, Vikki L. Washington.
Odie, as he was affectionately called by family and close friends, was an excellent swimmer, and loved to play cards. His fondest pastime was shooting pool with his friends who called him ‘Johnny Ray’ because of his fiery complaints each time he lost.
Oden William Washington peacefully departed this life on Thursday, October 15, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur (Ham) Washington and Leitha Green; siblings, Sydney Brown, Dolores Martin, Thelma Washington, Emma Wood Beasley, Leitha Zanders, Almeda Bush and Gregory Green, all of whom he loved dearly.
Oden leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved wife Mary, his daughter, Vikki Washington-Porter; grandsons Charles and Vaylor Porter; brothers; Robert Green and Muhammed S. Ali (Jerry Green); sister, Sadie Green; Godson Rene Morina; nephew Arthur C. Washington (Mary Bates-Washington); many other nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
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