Cleveland Washington

Cleveland Washington’s journey in life began on June 13, 1939 in Lake Village, Arkansas and ended in Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN on May 20, 2020 at the age of 80.

Cleveland was born to Claudy and Mamie Washington. He was the second of seven children. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. He was married to Viola (Hayes) Washington and made their home in Chicago, IL before relocating to St Paul, MN in 1977. They raised 5 children together.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He worked hard to make a living for his family and was an example to his children. He worked at several companies in Chicago, including Brach’s Confections (candy company). He ultimately retired from Seagate Technology in Bloomington, MN after 15 years.

Cleveland stayed busy and active in retirement. He enjoyed restoring computers and built a computer for each of his children. He drove his grandchildren to school when they missed the school bus. He enjoyed watching movies like The Temptations and The Five Heartbeats with his niece, Tammie. He was well known for his words of wisdom and love for music, especially Sam Cooke. He understood that he was not perfect but loved God in the end. He was a quiet person but touched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Will and Lula Washington (Bates); parents; three brothers, Claudy, Arthur, and Ronald; three sisters, Beatrice, Carole, and Betty; wife, Viola; and grandson, Cleveland.

Cleveland is survived by his children: Dorothy Lorraine Washington, Lee Andrew Washington, Ben Lee (Claudette) Washington, Marvin Lorenz Washington, and Amanda Michelle Hayes. He also leaves behind 14 loving grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, cousins, and dear friends.