Ethelene Washington

Ethelene Smith was born on August 7, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio, to the union of Frank and Mildred Smith. She was the youngest of four children.

Ethelene was a 1961 graduate of Dunbar High School. She attended Central State University, but then chose to delay her education for a career opportunity at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. She decided it was time to join her only sister (Frankie) in Detroit, Michigan. On her continuous journey to succeed, Ethelene relocated from Detroit to Baltimore, Maryland. She accepted a position with the US Department of Housing & Urban Development in Washington DC. Her tenure lasted thirty-three years. Ethelene diligently worked for and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of the District of Columbia.

While in DC, she met and married the love of her life, Leonard Washington. They shared many blessed years together prior to Leonard’s passing in 1998. A few years later, she attended a 1961 class reunion in Dayton. At the reunion, she reunited with a high school sweetheart (James McCurdy). She chose to return to her hometown after her retirement and their relationship continued until his passing in 2010. She truly loved these two men, and they loved her!

Ethelene was a very private person. She was caring and compassionate…sometimes to a fault. Her hand was mostly positioned to give versus to receive. She gave generously to her church (McKinley United Methodist) where she served as Church Secretary for a few years. She was a support to many (family and friends) in their time of need.

Ethelene Washington, age 81, joined her Heavenly family, friends, and loved ones on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio. She leaves to mourn her passing and to cherish her memory Millie Smith (Dayton, OH), Michelle Smith (Arlington, TX), Brandon Smith (Dayton, OH), Jowana Watts (Detroit, MI), Gail McCurdy-Bilberry (Dayton, OH), and a host of friends. Her gentleness and kindness will always be remembered. 

Private service was held Friday, September 26, 2024 at Woodland Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ethelene Washington, please visit our floral store.