Ernest L. Washington

Ernest L. Washington, affectionately known as Fatboy, was born in Hayti, Mo., on May 22, 1943. His parents are the late Prentis and Clara Washington. Ernest departed this life June 26, 2024, at home.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 12, at Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, 204 S. Fair Ave., Benton Harbor with visitation one hour prior to the service. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.robbinsbrothersfh.com.

Ernest enjoyed spending time with family, playing spades, having get-togethers and BBQs. These always made him smile. He loved opening his pool to the neighborhood kids so they could swim. His supreme joy was putting up Christmas lights during every Christmas season and watching people drive-by the house and point. He would turn off the inside lights to peek outside and see the people passing by.

He also loved helping people – from doing their income taxes and always trying to find ways to get them back a little "something extra," to loaning money to someone in need to pay their rent and household bills.

Fatboy leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Freddia Washington; five children: Brenda Washington, Annette Washington, Karima Washington, Tangila (Bryan) Jefferson and Ernest (Jamila) Washington Jr.; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by three brothers: James, Dan and Ambrose Washington, and five sisters: Elizabeth Deshay, Marie Cherry, Bernice Conway, Catherine Mosley and Lillie Hudson.