Floria Ann Washington

“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the Heaven” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

Floria Ann (Wysinger) Washington was born on February 7, 1943 in Greenville, Mississippi to Joe W. and Lillie B. (Jackson) Wysinger, both of whom preceded her in death. Floria was the second eldest of seven children: Gloria, Joe, Roxie, Janet, Jackie and Sandra. She took her role of “Big Sister” very seriously, as she was always trying to tell her siblings what to do.

Floria’s formative years were spent in Greenville with her parents and siblings. She accepted Christ at an early age at Star of Bethlehem Church. She was baptized in the Mississippi River there in Greenville, along with her big sister and BFF, Gloria (Sweets). The family moved to Gary in 1951, where Floria attended Pulaski Elementary and graduated from the 1960 class of Roosevelt High School.

After graduation, she worked for Montgomery Ward department store in Chicago. She joined US Steel in 1968, where she met her soulmate and the love of her life, Leonard Washington, who changed her life forever. Leonard and Floria were joined in holy matrimony on June 6, 1969. From this loving union came one child, Darren, who joined his sisters and brother: Charlotte, Edith and Leonard Jr. Floria and Leonard Sr. were married for 52 years.

Throughout her years, Floria enjoyed life. She retired from the mill after 20+ years of service. She was a community activist, precinct committee person, active member and past officer of the Roosevelt Class of 1960, active in her churches and the schools her son attended and a devoted wife and mother. She loved entertaining and being around her family. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, where her family and siblings’ families often celebrated together in either Gary or Indianapolis.

Floria belonged to 5th Avenue United Methodist Church, Embassies of Christ and was an active member of Western Christian Community Church. She was a woman who “marched to the beat of her own drum” and was never afraid of speaking her mind. You always knew where you stood with Floria Ann.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Floria was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 5th, 2021 at 7:00 AM. She was resting peacefully in the arms of her loving son and husband, who softly sang to her. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband of 52 years, Leonard Washington; sons Darren (Merari) Washington and Leonard Washington, Jr.; daughters Charlotte (Lee) Holloway and Edith (Akosua) Washington-Woods; one brother, Joe (Nancy) Wysinger; five sisters: Gloria Andrews, Roxie Owens, Janet Roberts Jacqueline (Duane) Mathews and Sandra (Glenn) Sandifer; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, friends and her church family.

We all loved her dearly, but God loved her best! “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:32 KJV).

Services for Mrs. Floria Washington will be held privately on Friday, March 12, 2021 in Gary, IN. Pastor Darren Washington to officiate. Burial to follow also in Gary, IN. Palmer Funeral Homes - West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com 

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