John Mark Washington
Published 3:14 pm Monday, July 3, 2017
Mr. John Mark Washington, a native of Port Arthur, Texas, gained his heavenly wings on Friday, June 30, 2017. John was the 1st child born to the late Isaiah Washington, Sr. and Ada Washington, on March 21, 1931.
John matriculated his early education years though the Port Arthur Independent School District. He then attended Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, but left after his freshman year to serve in the Korean War. During this tour he earned two Bronze Stars in combat. After returning to Bishop, he earned his bachelor’s degree and met his wife, Shirley.
John and Shirley returned to his hometown of Port Arthur and began their family and his teaching career. He stared off as a sixth grade teacher at Carver Elementary School. John then moved to a Counselor position at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, Assistant Principal of Edison Middle School and Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School. He retired as Principal in 1990.
John attributed his teaching style after one of his high school math teachers, Burton West, whom he described as a nice, well-dressed man who had the respect of even the most unruly students.
After Mr. Washington’s retirement from PAISD, he moved Mansfield, to care for his ailing mother-in law. One week, turned to another week, which then turned into months and years. After attending numerous town hall meetings, discussing the financial difficulties in the school district, he was asked to run for the school board. He was later surprised to note that he had been on the Mansfield School Board for almost a decade.
After spending 46 years in education, he ended his nine-year tenure on the Mansfield School Board in 2005.
Mr. John Washington gave his life to Christ at an early age at the Port Arthur Church of Christ. He moved his fellowship to the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield and then to Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Delbert A. Mack.
John Washington is preceded in death by his parents Isaiah and Ada Washington, Sr.; brother, Isaiah Washington; sister, Vivian Chassion and wife of 59 years, Shirley Washington. He leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters Libby Mark Washington Taylor and Lelo Washington; sisters, Mercy Dee Cook and Deloris Garrett and his pride and joy, granddaughter Sydney Mark Taylor. Also sharing in the memory are a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be Thursday 10:00 AM at Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church 3765 Fannett Road, Beaumont, TX. Visitation will begin at 8:00 AM at the church. Public viewing on Wednesday at Hannah Funeral Home 3-5 PM. Kappa Alpha Psi burial rites at 3:15 PM. Entombment at Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum; services entrusted to Hannah Funeral Home, Inc.