Elizabeth Washington

Elizabeth, also known as "Snook" to close family and childhood friends, was born to Eugene (Bear) Smith and Melissa Burns on May 14th, 1920 in Lake Village Arkansas. She married Richard Washington on March 23rd, 1940; to their union eight children were born.

Born and raised during a time of extreme racial and voter discrimination in America, not only had she enjoyed the privilege to vote, she experienced the election of our first Black President, former President, Barack Obama.

The family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1963. Richard passed from this life on February 18th, 1968.

Elizabeth had an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of St James the Apostle Catholic Church in Las Vegas. She became a Catholic in the early 1950s and remained a devout Catholic throughout her life as a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. She loved the Lord; she was generous of the heart but constant of faith and prayed every single day of her life. Her belief in God supported her and ultimately gave her peace.

She dedicated her life to raising her family. She had an enduring heart that touched everyone with a special unconditional love and kindness. She left such beautiful memories behind and to know her was to love her.

She loved her soap operas, exercise and was an avid sports fan; loved basketball and enjoyed attending and watching her grandson, Damon Stoudamire, play in the NBA.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Samuel Jermson; great grandsons, Derick Hill, Marcus Hill Jr.; and two sisters.

She is survived by her sons, Howard Washington, Bennie (Dell) Washington, Alvin (Mari) Washington; daughters, Mary (John) Washington (Thrower), Liz (Elizabeth) Washington, Rose (Victor) Bunch, Patricia Washington (Bennett); 11 grandchildren, Willie (Valerie) Sconyers, Damon (Natasha) Stoudamire, Patrina McDonald, Nicole Thrower, Mary (Gregory) Sowell, Marcus (Juliet) Hill, Myles Bunch, Paige Bunch, Roderic (Kellie)Washington, Kia Washington, Wesley (Charly) Washington of UK; 17 great-grandchildren, Makhi Hill, Sanijh Bunch, Maddox Bunch, Trysten Payton, Damon Stoudamire Jr., Brandon Stoudamire, Jorden Alhashim, Ramses Akbar, Ajani Akbar, Taycuan Akbar, Dorian Sconyers, Jasmine Sconyers, Soloman Jaden, Jessica Jquente, Donovan Washington, Davion Washington, Isiah Washington; 3 great-great grandchildren, Kalani Dolly, Jamia, Tamia and a host of family and many great friends.

Mama...You taught us many things in life that we would have to do, BUT, you never taught us how to cope with the hurt of losing you. For all of us you did your best, may God grant you eternal rest. Forever with the Lord.