Dr. Thomas Aubrey Washington

Dr. Thomas Aubrey Washington passed away on March 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas. He was 88.

He was born to Roosevelt and LuElla Washington in Akron, Alabama on June 3, 1937. He was married for 63 years to Gloria Washington who was the love of his life and sweetheart from the first day they met on the campus of the University of Michigan. He is the proud father of Michelle Washington-Williams (the late Carl Williams) and Lori Washington (Jimmy Burnett). He is survived by sisters Geraldine Gibson (Curtis) and Sandra Wesley (Carl) and preceded in death by siblings Clarence Washington, Beulah Whitney, Bertha Cade, Billy Washington (survived by wife Katie), Vernard Washington, and Roy Washington (survived by wife Loretta).

He graduated from Miller High School where he was an honor student and an outstanding basketball and football player. While at Wayne State University, he played basketball and football, and competed in four track & field events.

Completing his education was important. Tom earned his Bachelor of Science in Education at Wayne State University; Master of Arts in Education at the University of Michigan; and Doctor of Education at Wayne State University.

Tom was an initiated member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was made at Alpha Upsilon (Wayne State University) in Spring 1958 and later became a member of Gamma Lambda. In later years, he enjoyed talking with his fraternity brothers on monthly Zoom calls.

Dr. Washington dedicated himself to students as a teacher, principal, and school administrator in the Detroit Public Schools, and as an instructor and college administrator at Wayne State University before retiring in 1996.

As a frequent contributor to educational journals, he gained national recognition as an authority on school reform and alternative schools, a distinction also acknowledged in the book ‘Successful Schools for Young Adolescents’.

He was deeply committed to supporting students not only in their learning but in their overall wellbeing. He worked tirelessly to make a positive difference in the lives of the young people he served. In 1991, he established a school health clinic for elementary children and their siblings because he was concerned that so many students missed school because they did not have adequate health care. The health clinic was later named ‘Dr. Thomas A. Washington Health Clinic’.

Tom made a lasting impact on many young lives through his patience, care and encouragement by helping hundreds of students attend college and championed the appointments of 38 students to the US Naval Academy.

Tom had a great love of flying. Being in the air brought him a sense of peace and wonder and reflected his curiosity and appreciation for the world around him. He loved that he had the opportunity to fly with members of the Tuskegee Airmen, and later served as Vice-President of the Detroit Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated.

In his free time, he enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially college sports. Also, he had a love of reading and could often be found with a good book in his hand and listening to music.

After moving to Las Vegas in 1999, Tom volunteered for several years as a mentor and tutor in Las Vegas schools and continued his involvement in community affairs. As an active member of Desert Spring United Methodist Church, Tom served as the coordinator for the Desert Spring Mentoring Team, delegate to United Methodist Church Desert Southwest Conference, member of the church council, and liturgist.

Tom and Gloria moved from Las Vegas to Houston in 2025 to be closer to family.

Family and friends will remember him for his warm heart, patience, and steady presence. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial service arrangements are currently incomplete and will be announced at a later date.