Ronald Charles Washington

Ronald Charles Washington, affectionately known as “Ronnie”, was born July 15, 1947 in St. Louis Missouri to Charles and Ann Washington. Charles moved his family to Chicago when Ron was 8 months old. Ron accepted Christ at an early age and many years later became a member of Trinity United Church of Christ where he enjoyed singing in the Men’s Chorus. His educational background included; Farren Elementary School, DuSable High School and Kennedy King College. After receiving a greeting from Uncle Sam he joined the army and proudly served his country. In 1972, while working at Brookins Funeral Home, Ron met the love of his life, Anita Stokes. Ron and Anita married in 1976. They are the proud parents of a son, LaRon T. Washington. Years later Ron joyfully became the loving father figure of Ania Hawkins. Ron was a Career Serviceman and served his country in the Navy for over 20 years. He received numerous medals of Honor including: Purple Heart for bravery, Sharp Shooter and Air Medal. Ron was a fun loving family man with a passion for the arts; abstract painting, dancing, cooking, golfing, playing musical instruments and listening to a variety of music (especially Jazz and Blues). His contagious outgoing personality made him a part of many families and the life of any party. In June of 2011, Ron relocated to the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Mississippi. On March 1, 2017 in a Mississippi hospital room filled with love, friendship and the music of Luther Vandross. AWB, Elton John, Wynton Marcellus and the Temptations and supported by his sister Andrea Brookins and friends LaRoy Brisco and Tony Qualls, Ron made his transition from this life. He will always be remembered for his many abstract paintings displayed throughout the Retirement Home, those hanging in the homes or offices of family and friends, and the ones featured in The Peoples Bank advertisement brochures. Ron’s father Charles Washington, Sr. and eight siblings preceded him in death, Tyrone Ausley, Pamela Young-Holt, Michael Young, Lorell Washington, Charles (Skipper) Washington, Jr, Carlos Washington, Frieda Washington and Raymond Washington. Also preceding him were beloved father figure, Bob (Pat) Kelley; and dear in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Miles. Ron leaves to cherish his memories, a devoted and loving son, LaRon T. Washington; a kind and sweet daughter because of love, Ania Hawkins; beloved mother, Ann Ausley (whom he always called “Kid”); a very Special and Close Friend, Anita Stokes; eight siblings, Gwen, Pat, Nicky, Yvonne (Ronald), Cindy, Marcella, Emanuel (Shawanna) and Edward (Ann), adopted family, Howard (Audrey) Brookins, Sr., Andrea (Norval I. Brown) Brookins, Howard (Eboni) Brookins, Jr., Ronda (Kevin) Williams, Cheryl Buckner, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lucas, Rev. Wardell Chambers and family, the Kelley family, Laura, Sandy (Randy), Pam, Bobby (Lari), Monica; and a host of aunts, uncles, godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, military family, Facebook and childhood friends.