Cleo Washington

July 3, 1925 - August 19, 2021

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a Virtuous Woman Cleo Washington went home peacefully to be with the Lord on August 19, 2021, lovingly surrounded by her children. She was born to the late Frederick Sr. and Victoria (Brown) Gaymon July 3rd, 1925 in Sumpter, South Carolina. Cleo grew up in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Kobe Bryant's (as she would boast) alma mater, Lower Merion High School. An avid sports fan, she was involved in all sports and, coming from a spiritual family, was part of the Bible club. From a young age, Cleo assumed the role of protector with the motto "if you mess with my family, you mess with me". She was headstrong and determined to live the life of her dreams, on her terms, and wanted nothing less for those she called family. Cleo received her Degree in Nursing from the School of Nursing for Women. Shortly thereafter, she met and married the love of her life, William Washington Sr. The story of how they met on the PandW train in Norristown reads like a true romance novel. Complete with a handsome military gentleman and a beautiful nurse from the mainline, it was love at first sight. He would call her Dad's business phone from where he was stationed, and would eventually ask her Father for his blessing to marry his lovely Daughter Cleo. They wed on December 22nd 1951 and shared 55 anniversaries together, still as in love as the day they met. When her young family moved from Philadelphia to Phoenixville, on Grover Street, she became an active member of the community. Working as an LPN in the Phoenixville Hospital Maternity Ward, she was present for the birth of many of her grandchildren. She retired after more than 30 years at Phoenixville Hospital, yet that didn't stop her from joining the Senior Softball League and volunteering at the Senior Center, where she made countless close friends. Mrs. Washington is known for many things, including her famous Sticky Buns. She would make them for church and even sell them at the Annual Dogwood Festival. She was a member of Grimes AME Church in Phoenixville and later joined Mt. Calvary Church of God in Pottstown, where she would donate her famous desserts for canteen. She was last a member of New Beginnings Church of God, pastored by her Son Bishop William Washington Jr. Cleo had a natural musical ability from her Father who sang in a Gospel Quartet, and she picked up piano by ear listening to her Mother play. She was a virtuous woman of God, loved to sing solos at church and sang in the church choir. Endearingly known as Mother Washington, she would impart wisdom and evoke her faith in God, lovingly serving as a surrogate Mother for many. Cleo Washington instilled so many values into her family. She would always say "honor your mother and father that it may go well with you" and, more importantly, she practiced it. After growing up without a family vehicle, in 1951, the year she got married, she gave her Dad money to get his first car. As a Mother, she was her children's biggest supporter and loudest cheering section. Grandmom Washington believed that family should stick together. She witnessed the births of several of her great grands and, more importantly, for any significant event in the lives of her loved ones, she was present. A devoted wife, she cared for her Husband and held his hand as he took his last breath. She held her dear husband close to her heart until God decided to extend His own hand to guide her home. Cleo is preceded in death by her Husband, William Washington Sr., Sons, Mark Washington Sr. and Julian "Tony" Washington Sr., Sisters, Doris Gaymon and Harriet Sydnor, Brothers, Frederick Jr., William and Curtis Gaymon. She leaves to honor her memory, Sons, William Washington Jr. and Garry Washington (Kristy), her only Daughter, Victoria Washington-Hill (Elisher), Brothers, Earl, Herbert and Larry Gaymon, a dear Cousin, Evelyn Gaymon, 18 Grandchildren, 39 Great-Grandchildren, a Great-Great-Grandson, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, In-Laws, Godchildren, Church Family, Friends and Loved Ones. Cleo Washington lived through several global pandemics, the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights movement, two Great Recessions, the election of the Nation's first Black President and Black Female Vice President, the Eagles winning a Super Bowl over her Patriots, all while herself becoming true living history. She strongly believed in treating people the way she wanted to be treated, and it worked. Her faith, grace, strength, principles, warmth, and sense of humor are gems that all who were blessed to receive them will be honored to share with generations to come. Hers was truly a life well lived and a legacy worth leaving. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her life celebration at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville, PA on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 10:30 am. Masks will be required to enter the funeral home. Officiating will be Bishop Richard S. McCray. Burial will follow in the Morris Cemetery. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 am - 10:30 am. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.