Naze "Doe" Spence Washington

Naze Spence Washington Sr., affectionately known as "Doe," or "Doe Boy" to many, was born on December 27, 1956, in East Austin, Texas, to Billy Paul Washington and Annie Rosalie Washington. The youngest of five, he grew up playing baseball at Govalle Field, where he would later return to coach and mentor kids as an adult. "Doe boy" could be seen cruising through the streets of East Austin in his yellow and black 442 Cutlass Oldsmobile, which he lovingly called "Bumble Bee".

In 1983, Naze met Glenda Lee, and they married on November 16, 1985, beginning a beautiful 40-year partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Glenda and Naze raised three children together: Naze Jr., Aleise, and Dominique. Naze Sr. was an incredible father who supported his wife and children with everything in him. He coached, mentored, counseled, and loved unconditionally. His wife and children ALL declare him as their "best friend". However, Naze had to be shared with many: siblings, students, teachers, principals, buddies, co-workers… he was everyone's "person". That's just who he was - a safe space; steadfast; loyal; authentic; and dependable.

Naze began his career with Austin ISD in February 1978, serving with distinction for 28 years before retiring on December 9, 2006. He worked at Dobie and Murchison middle schools, Harris and Gullett Elementary, and spent 21 cherished years at Mathews Elementary School, where he was fondly known as the "King of Mathews." Even beyond retirement, Naze continued to connect with the teachers, staff, and former students of Mathews Elementary, some of whom he would refer to as his greatest friends up until his last days. The stories he shared about Mathews were certainly some of his fondest memories.

His dedication earned him the Distinguished Service Award for 28 years of service with AISD and the Austin City Council of PTAs Oak Tree Award for going beyond the call of duty in working with children. Naze extended his service as a DPS Supervisor for 15 years as well as with the City of Austin Building Services, receiving the Texas Department of Public Safety Ten Year Award. While working at Mathews, he was nominated as Fox 7 "Person of the Week" and was interviewed and previewed on the news broadcast (the students treated him like a celebrity for months).

His true passion was coaching and mentoring the youth. He coached at East Austin Downs Field for many years, proudly taking his team to the State Finals in Del Rio at one point. Naze oftentimes went house to house, picking up players for practice who did not have a ride and dropping them back off at home. A father-figure to many, he helped young people develop emotional intelligence, calmed conflicts, and rallied resources for any child he saw in need. Many of these former players would run up to him as adults with fond memories of their childhood under his mentorship. Naze even found time to coach his own children in baseball and basketball as well.

Doe Boy was an avid softball player at Kreig Field for many years. He even encouraged his wife, Glenda, to join him, and eventually his youngest son, Dominique, grabbed his glove and played with "Pops" as well. He LOVED playing dominos and having family gatherings. Naze loved many things, however being "Paw Paw" to his grandchildren was the highlight of his life. He was a master on the grill, and if he loved you, you more than likely got a nickname whether you liked it or not. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Lakers, and Yankees.

Naze has joined his mother (Annie Rosalie Washington), father (Billy Paul Washington), older brother (Billy Paul Washington Jr.), and nephew (Kevin Brown) in eternal rest. He is survived by his beloved wife, Glenda Kay Washington; siblings Deacon Chester McGowan Sr. (Frances), Ethel Washington (Charles), and Reverend James H. Washington (Debra); children Naze Spence Washington Jr. (Tasha), Aleise Monique Johnson (Alian), and Dominique Spence Washington (Jacsina); grandchildren Sariah Johnson, Naze Washington III "Trey", Karina Washington, Amari Washington, and Skylar Washington; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.