Howard Washington

The Lord called Howard home July 24, 2017. He was born to Yancy and Elvie Washington in Queens, N.Y. on December 12, 1934. He was the second son of three boys. Both parents and his two brothers, Yancy Jr. and Clifford, are all deceased. He had a stepdaughter, Carla Butterfield, also deceased.

Howard was raised in the church; his father was a preacher in New York. He graduated from Taft High School in Bronx, N.Y. and went to Maryland State College.

He became a carpenter by trade and also worked in construction. His last job before retiring was with Testwell Craig in Ossining, N.Y. He helped build the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, N.Y. After retirement, Howard worked for Busch Gardens of Williamsburg, VA for over ten years.

Howard was very active with the Elks and the Masons in Jamaica, N.Y.

Growing up in New York, he loved playing basketball and later, he enjoyed golf. He participated in the Titustown Tournament that was held on Memorial Day weekend for five years in Virginia.

Howard and Lanetta joined Monumental Baptist Church of Jersey City, N.J., where he served on the Board of Trustees and also sang on four choirs. He and his wife were also members of the Marriage Encounter of the church. Eventually he would move to Williamsburg, VA with his wife. He and Lanetta became members of First Baptist Church in Williamsburg.

Howard is survived by his wife, Lanetta (Thomas); one son, Howard Jr.; two stepdaughters; Raye Butterfield of Williamsburg, VA, Merry Edwards (Mike) of Charlotte, N.C.; one stepson, Sean Butterfield of Charlotte, N.C.; four grandsons, Ian Edwards (Nadia), Evan and Adrian Edwards, and London Butterfield, all from Charlotte, N.C. He is also survived by a very devoted goddaughter, Rhoda Gates of Norfolk, VA, who was like a daughter to Howard, along with her daughter, Rokisha and her grandson, Keyon.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, 2017 at First Baptist Church, 727 Scotland St., Williamsburg, VA from 11-12 PM, where a service will follow at 12:00 PM.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsencares.com.