Essie Janice Jones Washington
Essie Janice Jones Washington, a beacon of warmth and love, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, at the age of 87 in Lexington, KY. Born on July 18, 1936, in Richmond, KY, Essie’s journey through life was marked by an unwavering commitment to her family, her students, and her faith.
A proud graduate of Dunbar High School in 1955, Essie went on to dedicate her career to nurturing young minds as a reading instructor for the Fayette County School System. Her passion for education and her gentle, effective teaching methods left an indelible mark on countless students throughout her years of service.
Essie’s involvement with the Wesley United Methodist Church was a testament to her deep faith and community spirit. As a longtime member, she actively participated in church activities and formed many cherished relationships that she maintained throughout her life.
Her love for her family knew no bounds. Essie was the matriarchal figure who brought joy and cohesion to her loved ones. She is survived by her adoring children, Lillian Burnett and Barbara (Kearney) Demus; her treasured grandchildren, LaChelle Johnson, Monique (Darren) Crosby, Stephen Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Kearney Demus II, Jawan Demus, and Shea Demus; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Mya, Rhiona, Jaelynn, Tryston, Laila, Sebastian, Daylon, and Kearni. She also leaves behind her devoted sisters, Joan Jones and Barbara Byrd, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her deeply.
Essie’s legacy is also shaped by the love she received and the love she gave in return. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Washington, Jr.; her parents, Andrew and Gertrude C. Twyne Jones; and her six siblings, David Jones, Charles Anna Johnson, Evelyn Parham, Marjorie Adams, Verneeter Brown, and Brenda Wright.
Those who knew Essie will remember her for her loving nature, friendly demeanor, and thoughtful ways. Her hobbies, such as planting a vibrant array of roses, lilies, and carnations in her yard, taking leisurely walks, shopping with her family, and indulging in word search puzzles, brought her immense joy and peace.
Essie Janice Jones Washington’s life was a tapestry of love, kindness, and dedication. She will be remembered as a guiding light in the lives of all who were blessed to know her. Her spirit will continue to inspire and her memory will be cherished forever.
The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to her sisters, Joan Jones and Barbara Byrd, her special neighbors, and the Baptist Health Hospice Unit.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Tuesday May 28, 2024, at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 1825 Russell Cave Rd., Lexington, KY by Pastor Sunday Delang and Elder Eric Brown. Burial will follow in the Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, KY.
Visitation will be from 11:00 AM Tuesday May 28, 2024, until the hour of service at the church. Pallbearers will be Stephen Johnson, Jawan Demus, Kearney Demus, Tryston Johnson, Darnell Tagola and Darren Crosby.
The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY. The online guestbook is at www.Lusk-McFarland.com and a 24-hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 859-987-4387.
