Essie Mae Washington Obituary
Essie Mae Washington, born on February 28, 1935, passed away on September 30, 2026. Essie leaves behind family members and others who acknowledge this loss. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Sid Frye and Essie Mae Frye; her husband Willie Washington Jr.; and her sisters, Loretha Hairston, Lorene Stigler, Lucinda Tigner and Cynthia Dudley.
She is survived by: her children, Undra Washington (Connie), Renata Eleby (Samuel), ReDrenna Washington and Undrea Buckley (Anthony); her grandchildren, Rashad Eleby (Sharaya), Kia Crain, Karisma Crain, Lorenzo Washington, JaVonte Allen (Robin), Anitra Allen and Aaron Buckley (Bayli); her great grandchildren, Kayliah Campbell, Holland Eleby, Nyier, Rashad Eleby and Iyanna Washington; her godchildren, Fernando Tyus, Randall Marshall and Latrice Morris Wynn; and her siblings, Sid Frye (Rose), Curtis Frye (Patricia) and Victoria Harris (Arthur). She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 17th 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the St. Paul Church of God in Christ (1001 Bishop Washington Ave, Rockford, IL 61102). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 17th 2026 at 12:00 PM at the same location.
