Clifton Washington Sr.

Clifton was born on August 11, 1934 in Altheimer, Arkansas to James and Annie Washington, Sr. Clifton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many, lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends alike.

Clifton’s academic journey began at the University of Arkansas and eventually continued at Macomb Community College. Building off the knowledge gained in the classroom, he proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of Private First Class before embarking on a new career with General Motors. Clifton’s thirst for knowledge and passion for building things with his hands continued, and led him to become a skilled tradesman at General Motors where he served as a loyal and dedicated Millwright for over 30 years.

A man deeply rooted in faith and community, Clifton attended Greater Grace Temple with his wife Earnestine under the guidance of the late Pastor David Ellis. No matter how busy life got, Clifton always made himself available to everyone in his community, especially the kids around the neighborhood. He was well known for making sure every kid got ice cream, a one dollar bill, making sure any broken bike was fixed, or for putting you back in line when you began to color outside the lines!

Clifton’s infectious sense of humor brought light into every room he entered allowing him to effortlessly bring smiles to the faces of those around him wherever he went. Likewise, his trademarked line of “you don’t have to hurry” upon exiting his home left you with a similar feeling of levity that you carried with you well past that goodbye.

Clifton leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Earnestine; four sons, Clifton Washington, Jr. (Florence), Michael Washington, Steven Washington (August), Carl Washington (Geraldine); two daughters, Peggy Simmons and Helen Washington; two loving sisters Vivial Gladden of Silver Spring, Maryland and Miriam Adolfo (Sam) of Bowie, Maryland; twenty grandchildren and thirty-eight great-grandchildren.

Clifton was preceded in death by his parents James and Annie Washington; brothers James Washington, Jr., Houston Washington, and Ezell Washington; sisters Lillie Laws (Joe) and Jaime Washington; and daughter Norma Jean Washington.

Rest in peace Clifton Washington, Sr.

Your memory lives forevermore,

In our hearts you’ll stay,

Until we meet again someday…

A visitation for Clifton will be held Sunday, August 18 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. Friends and family will continue to visit the following day, Monday, August 19, at 10:30am, followed by a funeral service beginning at 11:00am. A livestream of the service will be available. Military honors will occur Monday at 2:00pm at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan 48442.